A Chore List Kids Actually Want to Finish

A standard chore list is easy to tune out, because finishing a task just means another line gets crossed off and the list looks much the same as before. One way to fix that is to give each chore a physical block and let completing it change the shape on the wall, so progress becomes something everyone can see at a glance. Suddenly finishing the last chore isn't just clearing a list, it's completing a picture.

The system works because each chore is a movable piece, and the act of finishing it physically rearranges the display. That's where a set of write-on blocks turns the chore list into a game.

How Switch-Its organize the chore list

Switch-Its magnetic dry-erase blocks lets parent arrange chores in a shape with a name block identifying who will do the chore. As each one as the job gets done the child moves the chore block to create a new shape . 

Set up the list

Parents identify chores and write them on blocks. Quick chores on small blocks, more time consuming tasks on medium blocks.

Create the chore shape

Arrange chores into a starting shape around each child's name, from set table to unload dishwasher, with bonus blocks for finishing everything.

Build the masterpiece

As each job is finished, children move blocks to build a new design. The final layout is a visible record that the day's chores are done.

Making progress visible is what turns a chore list from a nagging reminder into something kids want to complete, since every finished job changes the picture on the wall instead of just shrinking a list.  Because the blocks rearrange instantly and wipe clean, the same set builds a fresh layout for every day and resets the moment a new list of chores begins.