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.