B-I-N-G-O!!!

Do your children have chores? Somewhere in my reading several years ago I came across a fun way to get children involved with chores. I made up Chore Bingo cards with a free space in the middle and chores listed in each box (5 boxes up, 5 boxes down, for a total of 25 chores.) Well, actually 24, because the middle box is a freebie!

Here are some of the chores on their current cards: (some of which you may not consider an actual *chore*, but they provide an element of fun and motivation!)

* practice typing for 30 min. on the computer
* help your brother with a chore
* make your bed every day for a week
* write in your journal
* read an article from kids encyclopedia and tell what you learned
* help Dad outside
* help make supper
* clear the table
* set the table
* do something to help without being asked
* surprise a family member with a love note
* load or unload the dishwasher
* help wash the car

The possibilities are endless!! I post a list of rewards for the first 3 Bingos they get, and then a final reward for completing the whole card.

1st Bingo: ice cream from Dairy Queen
2nd Bingo: choose meal for supper
3rd Bingo: invite a friend for sleepover
Full Card: Date with Dad!


(Its not the greatest picture, but hopefully you get the idea....)

Chore Bingo is a huge success at our house. The boys are eager to do these little chores and earn their rewards. Each time they do a chore, they attach a sticker to their card (currently little yellow happy face stickers!) The cards, rewards note, and stickers are all attached to our fridge at kids-eye level. I make no demands on when they should do these chores, but I do make friendly suggestions to remind them sometimes!

Why not try a little Bingo at your house??

;-)
Marla