Learning through play month 21: chores

These activities can help you teach Your Child about responsibility and patience as well as encourage gross and fine motor skill development. 

Focus on the real-life skills that you can teach Your Child by letting the little one help around the home. 

What to prepare
Take a moment to think about your daily chores and activities and how you can involve Your Child in them. This could include folding laundry, sweeping the floor, cleaning windows, preparing meals, or tidying up their toys.

Let’s play!
Introduce your chosen chore to Your Child and show them how to do it. A spray bottle filled with water is a good way to practice grip control, sweeping scrap paper balls or pom poms into a dustpan teaches hand-eye coordination, and folding improves focus and dexterity. Work together to build confidence. Allowing children to tidy alongside their caregiver, turns it into a fun experience that promotes independence, self-awareness, and responsibility.  

Caution
Remember to make it a fun experience instead of something you have to do, so that Your Child associates the task with a positive memory.

Thank you note
This article about learning through play was made in collaboration with Sprouts Kindergarten, a play-based learning center for children ages 1.5 – 6 years old.