Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Chore chart

This is the chore chart that I use with my kids (4 1/2 and almost 3). I wanted to share the idea that my oh-so-creative, wealth-of-knowledge mom had. Growing up we had different charts and different systems for learning responsibility. For several years each of us had a jar that started with 20 nickles in it at the beginning of the week. Whenever mom found something of ours out of place (socks in the living room, toys out at the end of the day, etc...) she would take a nickle from our jar. Ouch! Some weeks we would end up with nothing in our jar! Anyway, back to the chart above. This is a simple and fun way to start out with little ones doing chores. One of these days I might find the time to make a more official looking chart with clip art, but for now this is it! I laminated the chart and each time the kids do a chore (these are more like things we do each day than chores, but we call them "chores") they get to color a cooresponding picture with a dry erase marker. The markers are kept in the drawer right beside the fridge where the chart is posted. As they grow and learn to do more I'll add to the chart! I need to add a plate, cup, spoon, and fork for the chore of setting the table that they're learning to do also.

The line drawn through the center of the chart half-way down separates morning and evening responsibilities. They have to make their bed (or attempt and have mommy help make it look nice!), change their clothes and put away p.j.'s, then we have "Bible time" mid morning (this one is more for me!!! They help remind me to read and to read with them), the ABC/123 is a learning time (Jonas does some school papers and practices letters and numbers and Ella is attempting to learn letters and to practice counting), in the evening they put toys away, change clothes- putting them away, and then brush teeth is the final picture.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Please share some ideas for other readers. How do you teach responsibility to your kids? Does anyone have suggestions on this topic of things you do with your kids or your parents did with you growing up?

Here, here, here, and here are some links for free chore charts. Actually I googled free chore charts and there are tons! I didn't know there were so many! My little chart now looks very sad. lol! Well, I'm still anxious to hear your ideas.

5 comments:

Morgen said...

Great idea! I had a chart, but haven't done it very much lately. I like your idea and it looks like fun too. Thanks for sharing

Hannah said...

Hi Beth- We have been working on getting Abby to learn some responsiblity too and wanting her to get some structure in the day. I am really thinking of homeschooling her and I have read they can learn to read by age 3 so I really want to get going on that too. I like your idea how they can color off each item. Abby would love that as she would think it is fun to cross of the daily lists. Really good idea. I may borrow it. Also-- I have been meaning to ask you are you up for any babysitting. I have a friend- a single mom of a 4 year old and she is a nurse and needs someone once in awhile for evenings, weekends, mornings before school. She lives in Brooklyn Park and doesn't really know anyone. I know she would pay you well but I don't know if you are interested in doing that. Just let me know if you are.

Hannah said...

I know- That is sad that they haven't met. There are so many times I wish you were still just in Buffalo. Ok-- something happened on my blog and your comment is gone somehow and I don't know how to get it back. Do you know what to do? I had Emily on my lap and she pushed some buttons and it was just gone. I better run and take my shower. Have a good day.

Erin Neiner said...

this is so great. i was showing it to drew showing him how "mrs. beth" from MN has Jonas and Ella do a chart. I think this would be a good thing to start out his 4th year with. (this month!) I double clicked the pic so it was huge and all your little details were cracking me up! It's so cute! I like the dry erase idea even better than stickers for this. It's not one more thing that will clutter. Just wipe clean! AND I LOVE the background pattern. Couldn't tell if it's paper or material but it is adorable. what size is this chart???

Beth said...

Erin- It's a half sheet of 8 1/2 x 11" So glad you noticed the details! I love it. The background is paper.