"Helping Hands" Chore Chart

Our activity today is a continuation of our chore week, but it also starts our "time" theme!  I am currently working with my middle daughter on finishing her morning routine in a timely manner (instead of me finding her on the floor daydreaming when I ask her to put on her shoes)!  I came up with an idea I'm calling "Helping Hands". 


If you saw our schedule a few weeks ago, you know I generally let the girls watch some TV when they first wake up.  I know some might not agree with this, but it allows me time to get going.  I am definitely not a morning person!  When I'm ready to begin, I just say "I need some helping hands" and the girls know to shut off the TV and start morning routines! 


Supplies:
Photographs of your child's chores/routine
Laminator (or contact paper)
Pen
Scissors
Magnets

1)  Take a photo of each chore or routine your child is to accomplish (i.e. eating breakfast, brushing teeth, gettting dressed, making bed, picking-up room, etc.).

2)  Laminate or cover with contact paper.  Trace your child's hand on a photo or use a handprint template.  Cut out.  Repeat for each photograph.

3)  Glue a magnet on the back of each photo.  Place on the refrigerator or other magnetic surface.


As my daughter goes through her routine, she moves the accomplished task from one side of the refrigerator to the other.  This works really well to keep her on task, and it seems to motivate her!  I also use sequencing words with her (first, second, next, last) as she goes through her routine.  This is an easy way to begin teaching about time (which is a very challenging idea for preschoolers)!