4-6 year olds …Here are 14 chores they can be successful with all by themselves … with the highly regarded, Montessori approach in mind

In Montessori schools, children are responsible for taking care of the classroom. They are not generally assigned chores, but each child cleans up after himself and children are eager to help with things like dusting, gardening, and washing the tables and chairs.

These tasks are called “practical life” and they are considered just as important as language and maths for young children. This kind of work builds concentration and independence, and also refines fine and gross motor skills.

Practical life activities are easy to replicate at home, as there is never a shortage of home tasks that need doing (if you have a shortage, send them to my house!) Next time your child is running around with excess energy or acting a little wild, try getting him involved around the house. Give him purposeful work to use up all of that beautiful energy …

1. Sweeping

Sweeping is a great one to start with. Even young toddlers can successfully sweep the floor with a child sized broom and dustpan if you show them how. If your child isn’t yet coordinated enough for the dustpan, sweeping leaves off of a deck or porch can be a great place to start. Once he has mastered sweeping, you can also show him how to mop or vacuum.

2. Folding laundry

While some things, like sheets and big blankets, can be tricky for children, separating and folding things like washcloths and napkins is definitely do-able. Sorting socks can also be a great task for little ones.

3. Setting the table

As long as everything is in their reach, even very young children can set the table. If you’d like to encourage your child to help in the kitchen, try clearing a low kitchen shelf for the things she needs to access. They will enjoy the task more if they don't have to keep asking for your help. 

4. Feeding & Brushing pets

Many children love taking care of animals. If you have a pet, try storing the food in a large Tupperware container with a scoop and let your child take over this daily task. 

5. Raking leaves

This is a great gross motor activity to get all of that energy out. Just make sure you have a child-sized rake available so that your child can be successful (and safe!).

6. Watering plants

Show your child how to test the dirt to see if a plant needs watering. Then show them how to water at the roots. 

7. Window washing

This is a really fun one! You’ll need a drying cloth, small spray bottle, and small squeegee (the ones designed for car windows are perfect). Show them how to spray, squeegee, and dry and watch him clean every window and mirror in the house!

8. Scrubbing outside toys

Encourage your child to keep his outdoor toys clean and beautiful by washing them regularly. You’ll need a little scrub brush, container for water, and a towel to dry. You can also provide soap if you wish. You may want to give your child a little apron to keep his clothes dry. The beauty of this one is once he knows how to scrub, and has the tools, he can scrub pretty much anything. This could include big things like a swing set, or little things like his Lego.

9. Making their own lunch 

Children can make their own lunches, with varying degrees of independence, from a young age. You will likely want to start with offering choices, such as letting your child choose one “main food,” one fruit and one vegetable to put in her lunchbox. Your child can also make simple things like a peanut butter sandwich, help wash fruit, etc.

This is an especially great thing to involve your child with if he’s going through a picky stage. If it’s too overwhelming to think of doing this every day, start with just the weekends or once a week until your child is more proficient with it. Homemade pizzas are also great shared preparation and eating.

10. Sharpening Pencils & Crayons

 … easily done with a capped pencil sharpener to catch the shavings!

 11. Making their Bed

Although it's not going to look perfect, starting around the age of four it is realistic to assign a child to make their bed sometimes. This may begin with placing their pillows and stuffed animals in the correct place, but they can work towards making the entire bed.

12. Clearing the table

In a Montessori classroom you will not find plastic cups and dishes, even for the youngest of children. Dr. Montessori found that using glass and ceramic items at a young age teaches children how to use them with care and respect, demonstrates natural consequences (if I throw my cup, it will break), and encourages proper use. This means that you do not need to limit your child to clearing only the non-breakable items from the table, but instead can teach them the proper way to carry and handle a variety of items. You may not want to start this new task with the family heirlooms, but give it time and they will get there!

13. Unloading the dishwasher

Thoughtfully planning how you load the dishwasher can make it possible to get help from your child with unloading it. Keeping in mind that breakable items do not need to be kept away from children—your child just needs to be shown how to properly handle them—you can set up your dishwasher in a way that allows for help. A kitchen step stool or learning tower may come in handy to safely reach where items are stored.

14. Pulling weeds

Make sure you each which are weeds and which are precious plants! … also which weeds are prickly and need to be pulled by an adult.

Helping with these responsibilities will encourage children to become more independent and will give them a sense of pride as they see all of the ways they can contribute to the home. Be sure to bring in the fun element when teaching them how to achieve each of the above. Share the excitement and delight in their achievements with them, and optimise your opportunity for positive connection…never miss an opportunity!