by Nan Keltie

Created on: January 10, 2010

There are several ways to make a chore chart for kids.  All of the following are simple to prepare, clearly indicate what is expected of children and help you (and the kids) keep up with their responsibilities.  

Chore chart #1 - Calendar style
This is perhaps the fastest to prepare and can still be made attractive.  Anything bright and colorful and “fun” can help make doing chores seem less intimidating to kids.  Buy a calendar with large blocks or make your own on the computer.  Chores can be written in on particular days they need to be done. 

For instance, Mondays and Thursdays could be noted as “dusting” days; Friday could be “take garbage to the road” day and Tuesdays and Wednesdays as “it's your turn to feed the dog” days.  

Before writing these in on the calendar itself, make a list of chores your kids will be assigned and how they will be divided up fairly for particular days.  Transfer these to the calendar with each child’s name or initials beside them.  Young children may enjoy putting a sticker on the calendar chart once their chores are done.  Even making a simple “X” on the box denotes a job is completed.

Chore chart # 2 - Wheel style
Using poster board or card stock, make a large wheel by drawing around a charger or serving plate.  Divide the wheel into six or eight sections and list one chore in each “slice” of the pie.  You can also illustrate the chore by drawing a simple sketch that shows something related to the chore.

Simpler still, cut out magazine pictures that relate to the specific chore.  For example: a picture of a trash can means “carry out the trash.”  A picture of a dog eating means “feed the dog.”  Other ideas include furniture polish (dust the shelves) or bedding (make your bed), etc.  Be creative!  The more interesting the chart, the easier it is to get young children to cooperate.

In the center of the wheel, poke a small hole and insert a brad to hold a spinner or an arrow pointer (made from stiff poster board).  For very young children, let them move the pointer to a chore they like to do.  This encourages them to make choices, to enjoy using the wheel and to cooperate with chore time.

You can also select a particular chore for children and move the pointer to it.  When they check the wheel that day, their chore is already

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>