Me and My Shadow:Chores and Executive Function Skills

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The key to helping children learn through daily tasks is to make sure you follow a method that works. Too often, we tell our kids what we expect or want them to do but we don't show them. This is a problem because my idea of a clean room, organized backpack or completed homework may not be theirs.  We each have very different visions of what the above looks like. 

So, how do we gain a better chance of everyone being on the same page and having the same vision? By shadowing. 


How do we shadow? 

First, only have your child shadow you on chores that are age apprpriate for them. You can find a nice list here.
Next, make sure you SHOW and explain any of the tools you use {this is a spray bottle etc..}
Next, SHOW and explain the actions you use {this is how you scrub etc..}
Next, make sure you SHOW and explain any directional words {move side to side etc..}
Next, make sure you SHOW and explain WHY you are doing what you are doing {I scrub side to side to get all of the dirt off}
Finally, after several sessions of shadowing you let your child complete the final step. Then on the next shadow event you let them complete the final two steps and so on and so on until they are independent with the chore.

Shadowing is a great way to strengthen Executive Function skills, works for ALL ages and is a very nice fit for those who are visual learners.

Remember that for success, we must visualize the end goal. In this case, it is helping our child visualize the end goal of completing their chore...with the side benefit of strengthening their Executive Function Skills. 

Until next time....

Keep growing and blooming. 

Jen