Literacy: Errands and chores?

Turn kids’ errands or chores into fun with reading and writing:

1. Help them write a To Do list of things they have to get done.
2. Help them write a Ta Da list of things they did get done. Ta da!!
3. Create a calendar or write on a regular one. Note their regular chores, and offer stickers as each task is completed.
4. Write grocery lists together, then look for the matching words on labels and receipts when you’re out shopping.
5. If they have special or one-time chores to do, take some time to make a Special Helper certificate on colored paper. Write their name, what they did, and make it look like a fancy certificate.
6. Combine kids’ duties with a literary reward. If they clean their room, read them an extra story at bedtime.
7. Use a list format to spark their imaginations. What ten things would monsters do on a weekend? What ten things would pilgrims buy to take back home if they time-traveled to today? What ten things would change if you were the new President of the World?
8. Talk about any chores they’ve done. Do they like the responsibility? Did anything surprise them? Was it too hard? Remember to praise effort.
9. Read books about kids doing chores. Curious George, Madeline, Toot and Puddle, George and Martha, and the Berenstain Bears all have chores to do and errands to run in their adventures. So do many others.

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