Chores

As most of you know, we have a chore chart in our room. The children rotate through the list every week. Of course, some chores are more eagerly anticipated than others ("line leader" is obviously better than "reshelving books"), but all jobs are done quite happily. I've found that young children love to be helpful, and feel increased ownership of the room if they are part of the upkeep.

We also have other jobs that come up intermittently. For instance, after a cooking activity, there are always dishes to be stacked and tables to be wiped. Today, we had a huge load of rags that needed to be folded, so a couple children did this during their free time - joyfully! Pillows need to be occasionally mended, and one child did that today as well. It's just part of being our classroom family.

Have you ever wondered what your child is capable of doing? I found this great list:

Chores for children ages 2 to 3

• Put toys away
• Fill pet's food dish
• Put clothes in hamper
• Wipe up spills
• Dust
• Pile books and magazines

Chores for children ages 4 to 5

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Make their bed
• Empty wastebaskets
• Bring in mail or newspaper
• Clear table
• Pull weeds, if you have a garden
• Use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs
• Water flowers
• Unload utensils from dishwasher
• Wash plastic dishes at sink
• Fix bowl of cereal

Chores for children ages 6 to 7

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Sort laundry
• Sweep floors
• Set and clear table
• Help make and pack lunch
• Weed and rake leaves
• Keep bedroom tidy

Chores for children ages 8 to 9

Any of the above chores, plus:

• Load dishwasher
• Put away groceries
• Vacuum
• Help make dinner
• Make own snacks
• Wash table after meals
• Put away own laundry
• Sew buttons
• Make own breakfast
• Peel vegetables
• Cook simple foods, such as toast
• Mop floor
• Take pet for a walk