"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)!

Sweeping with a Preschooler

This simple trick makes sweeping fun for a small child!

You need:
Small broom or hand-held broom
Chalk

1)  Draw a chalk-circle on the floor in the room you want your child to sweep.

2)  Show her how to sweep the dirt into the circle. 

You and I know how to sweep dirt into a pile, but your child may have no idea what to do!  Considering things from your child's point-of-view can be quite helpful when teaching them to do chores!

I adapted this idea from Mommy, Teach Me by Barbara Curtis!

Utensil Sort (Unloading the Dishwasher)

Preschoolers can easily help put away utensils and dishes from the dishwasher (make sure to remove any knives beforehand)!

You need:

Silverware

Tray for sorting

1)  First, have your child practice sorting the silverware.  Dump out the tray and show them where the different utensils are stored.

2)  Sort the utensils. 

After practicing a few times, allow your child to empty the dishwasher utensil basket!  They can also learn to stack dishes and put cups away if you have the items stored in an easily accessible place. 

Check out this preschool-friendly kitchen, and Barbara Curtis's advice to one mom about young children unloading the dishwasher!

Chores and Preschoolers

Preschoolers can help with many more chores than we often think!  While they may not be able to do them independently, you can lay the foundation for joyful service now!

Chores preschoolers can help with include:
Dusting (a sock over the hand works well)
Sweeping (with a small hand-held broom)
Picking up toys (music makes it fun)
Putting away laundry

Getting dressed

Unloading the dishwasher

Pouring and mixing ingredients for cooking

Setting the table

Watering plants -- indoors and outdoors

We will take a look at some easy ways to help your child accomplish these tasks over the next week few days (I promise we'll get back to our regular weekly themes soon)!

I have found these resources helpful:

A friend reminded me of this book by Vicki Bentley.  While I have not read it, I've heard several workshops of hers and they were excellent!

I still have a lot to learn!  Do you have any great ideas for training children in chores?