This post may contain an affiliate link. If you click an affiliate link and buy something I may receive a commission.

Are you thinking about getting your child to have chores as part of their weekly routine?

Many parents today are looking for ways to teach their kids to be responsible, and chores are a great place to start. Here are some kids chore ideas for  – and how to introduce them – that can be done by elementary school-age kids.

Chores are a great way to teach kids responsibility. The following kids chore ideas are arranged by age and include a free printable kids chore chart.

 

 

Kids Chore Ideas List by Age

Elementary school spans Kindergarten to fifth grade. So, here are some ideas for those grades and ages. Of course, chores for younger kids will already be a part of the chore regimen by the time you get to older grades – the following lists of chores are intended to build on, not replace, each other.

Kindergarten (age 5-6)

This age tends to respond well to simple chores. You can also use this simple approach with older kids for whom this is a new concept. Some ideas include:

  • Make bed
  • Feeding pets
  • Watering plants
  • Sweep floors
  • Pick up toys
  • Put dirty clothes in hamper
  • Sort clean laundry
  • Load dishwasher
  • Put away groceries

First Grade (age 6-7)

  • All the above
  • Set and/or clear the table
  • Pull weeds
  • Rake leaves
  • Dust furniture
  • Clean windows
  • Empty small trash cans
  • Sort laundry by color
  • Empty dishwasher

Second and Third Grade (age 7-9)

  • All the above
  • Vacuuming a small room
  • Loading dishwasher or washing/drying dishes
  • Fold laundry
  • Clean mirrors
  • Clean floors

Fourth Grade (age 9-10)

  • All the above
  • Taking out the garbage
  • Making part of dinner (such as a salad or side dish)
  • Vacuum
  • Clean mirrors
  • Fold laundry
  • Bring in mail

Fifth Grade (age 10-11)

  • All the above
  • Load, fold, and put away clothing
  • Vacuuming several rooms
  • Keep their bedroom clean
  • Clean toilets
  • Help washing car

Getting in the habit of doing chores

To help your child get into the habit of chores, lists can help. This is especially helpful if your child likes organization.

Or, if your child is competitive, they might respond more to timed chores. For example, see how long a certain chore takes them and then see if they can beat their time next time (while still doing a good job).

You can also get your child’s help in making a chart or list of chores and privileges, or just the chores.  If your child participates in thinking up chores and creating the list, they might be more likely to be motivated to do the things on the list.

 


.