3-5 year-olds can...

• Pick up an assigned floor (our little guy is in charge of making sure the living room and the library room floors are clear all day long)

• Dust low areas

• Sort socks (call it the "Matching Game")

• Wind up the vacuum cleaner cord after you vacuum

• Use the mini-broom and dustpan after you sweep the floors into a pile

• Clear the table after meals

• Empty the clothes' dryer into a basket

• Get the mail (if your mailbox is in a safe area, of course!)

• And he can do all of the 1-2year old's list, in the above post

Posted by 3FoldChord

even my 11 yr old has trouble with JUST an assigned floor,unless he has a list, but with a list he does GREAT.

they can wash dishes at that age too (just take out the sharp and breakable things)
I think it's great when kids are taught at an early age to help around the house

Posted by JenIG

Super list! it's amazing what kids are actually capable of doing. I think many times we have a tendency to 'lazy' our kids up by not expecting enough from them. In doing so, we deprive them of a lot of good old fashioned satisfaction for a completed job that's been well done. I look forward to reading more of your posts!
jen

Posted by KeepingtheHome

Another good one, 3FoldChord!

Jen, welcome! I've been lurking on your blog, too. :)

Posted by Anonymous

I have a 4 year old and lately I have taught her the correct way (translation: the way I want it done!) to fold her own shirts, shorts, pants, and underwear. She does extremely well with all and even puts her clothes back in her drawer.