CHORES AND THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

Although most children grumble about doing chores, jobs at home can be a powerful way to develop “task initiation and task completion.” Chores also help children feel “worthy” and a valuable part of the family unit.

We often “assume” that children know how to do a task and then we get frustrated when they don’t do it correctly. That’s why it’s important to model expectations and demonstrate specific steps. Here's an activity that would be perfect for a learning center or housekeeping area.

Setting the Table
Bring in some plastic plates, utensils, and cups and demonstrate how to set the table. You might want to trace around the items on a paper placemat so the children can match one to one.

Training Tools
Go to the dollar store and purchase a dustpan, broom, duster, etc. Demonstrate how to use these and then invite children to help you keep the classroom clean.

*I had a Dust Buster in my classroom that the kids loved to use. If there was a mess we would say, “Who you gonna call? Dust buster!”

Teeny Tiny Duties
There are some tasks that young children can do at home and some that are way too difficult. Let children share the chores that they have at home. Make a list of these tasks on the board. Ask children to choose several three or four that they could do to help at home and make a job chart. Tell them to hang it on the refrigerator and keep track for a week. Demonstrate how to make a check mark each day when they complete the task.
                                         
*Remind your students that they are responsible for doing the job without having their parents tell them!