I am a firm believer that one should start a child out on chores as soon as possible. I think chore charts are a wonderful thing. It teaches responsibility, value, and organization. Sadly, I can never keep up with a chore chart. The idea of using one calls to me but using one in a practical manner is beyond my capabilities. I finally decided that starting a chore chart and failing to keep up with it was more harmful than not starting one at all. The inconsistency would teach the opposite of the intended activity. So, I had to come up with another method. In the past, I have used several methods and many have worked and some fell flat. Since I can never leave well enough alone and I get as bored as a child the method of chores charts changes with each school year. Maybe my children will just think I am being creative and fun, you think?
The method I chose for this year is simple. I call it “Lend a Hand”. The name of the paper hand cut outs is called “Helping Hands” and that’s a nice name as well. The child in me always needs a name for a project. The project is so easy anyone can do it. Keeping up with it may be another story.
Lend a Hand
Supplies:
Permanent Marker
Hand Cut Outs (you can purchase these at a teacher supply shop or make
your own with your child’s hand.)
Paper hole puncher
Yarn or small rope
Directions:
On each hand, using the paper hole puncher, punch a hole at the base, opposite the fingers.
Using your marker, write down one chore per hand you want your child to perform.
Thread your yarn or rope through the holes on the hands. Hang it up like a banner somewhere you will see it yet can tolerate having it hung.
There are two ways to you can mark your chores as complete. One, you can use a sticker to place on the fingernail for a job complete. You will have five days per hand. You can also use a hole puncher to mark off each day. Two, place a clothespin after the hands hanging on the yarn. Each day, remove the clothespin and slide over the chore that is completed. One side of the clothespin is for uncompleted chores and the other for completed chores. If you chose this method you will not have to make new hands on a regular basis.