I have a goal of getting my ADHD and dyslexic kid more involved in household tasks. I realize that working with that combo can make some everyday tasks, like making a grocery list, harder than they should be. Recently, I saw a listing for a Visual Grocery List and thought this may be a great tool to help with my goal.
How does it work?
The Visual Grocery List is a list of pictures of common American food staples. You circle the items on the list that your family needs as you realize you need them. I decided to purchase the list and try it out. I was honestly not sure what I would get, but if it worked even a little bit, it would be good. Instead of helping none with the grocery list, my kids could at least help some. Right?
Upon reviewing the grocery list, it actually has several features that I did not see at first. Each row of items is grouped by location in a typical grocery store. There is a row of fruits, one for meats, one for dairy, and another for condiments. The type of item is listed on the left side of the paper, and there is a small amount of room to write in items not pictured on the right. This way, you can add chili powder beside the spices line, and frozen french fries to the frozen food line.
Food Allergies
For our family, which has a lot of food allergies, the list was surprisingly helpful. Because one of my family members will be using the list, we can look at the picture of bread, and know we mean gluten-free bread. We also know what brand of barbecue sauce or other items we always buy. Handing a list like this off to a person who didn’t know our preferences would not work out so well.
Ease of Use
I have found that this list was super helpful on a day I was having brain fog and struggling to make a grocery list. Looking at the pictures triggered my memory of things we needed and allowed me to make a grocery list with less brain power than usual. Circle the items for our most frequent meals, and staples, and write in a few ingredients that go with those that were not pictured. Ta Da!
I then sent my husband to the store with it for a true test. Would he get what we needed? My husband said he enjoyed shopping with it more than a regular list! It was easy to put the circled items in the cart and cross them off as he shopped. Because the list was organized somewhat like the isles of a grocery store, it was easier to make sure he got everything on this list without having to backtrack. Win-win.
Next is the real test
Up next will be testing if my kids can use this to help them learn to make grocery lists and go shopping for the family. I’ve had a year of health challenges, so my teens have had to help with grocery shopping more than I would have ever planned. Giving them a new tool to make it easier seems like a great idea.
About the Author
Laura Sowdon, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, writer, speaker, educator and creator of the Five Senses Literature Lessons homeschool curriculum. She has worked as an occupational therapist with children in public and private schools, as well as private practice. Laura has taught and managed homeschool co-ops as well as homeschooling her own three children. Laura is dedicated to the idea of educating children at a pace that aligns with brain and physical development milestones and respects neurodiversity in all its forms.