It’s the new year and although I’m not big on “resolutions” I do like to take the time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not in my life and then set some small realistic goals. One thing I’ve been having trouble with is getting the kids to take responsibility for their stuff and themselves. They are plenty old enough at 4 and almost 6 to be dressing themselves without assistance, putting away toys and doing a few small chores to help me out. So the first item I’m tackling on my New Year’s Goal list is Chores for Kids!
It’s a popular topic as seen by all the various types of chore charts out there on the internet and specifically on Pinterest! I found one idea that seemed to suit my kids best – a board with chore magnets they could move from To Do to Done. The one I liked best was from A Spotted Pony and you can see the original here. The interactive nature of this type of chart appeals to me. I think it will keep their interest and have better visual impact than a list with checks or stickers. And yes, it’s more work up front to make–but once it’s done that’s it. No printing out sheets of paper, no stickers, etc.
Here are my finished boards:
Materials:
1.5 -2″ round wooden discs
printed chore pictures/clip art
Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker
ribbon (optional)
Method:
- Print out pictures of the chores you want your kids to do. I used some from Confessions of a Homeschooler. I just cut them out without the words.
- Paint the wooden discs white on both sides. Allow to dry.
- Glue the pictures onto the discs.
- Write the description of the core on the disc.
- Coat with Mod Podge to seal it up. Allow to dry.
- Glue button magnets to the back of discs.
- Using a permanent marker to make a horizontal line across the board and write TO DO and DONE.
I found some great magnetic memo boards at Michael’s on clearance for 90¢!
What a deal! Love clearance prices at the craft store!
If you can’t find something similar, you could used cookie sheet spray painted (as Spotted Pony example did) or just use a laminated sheet of construction paper and place it on the fridge.
Some additional photos of the project:
I plan to make additional magnets as the kids get older and can handle more advanced chores.