Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Listening

So we are working on basics here in my family... and listening was a skill that seriously needed some attention. I picked the framework of Ten Apples up on Top by Dr. Seuss. Each time the children listen (which most of the time includes obeying and reporting back to me), they get an apple on top of their head...

Like so...












If they don't listen, we take an apple off their head. If they have 10 apples on their heads at the end of the day, they get a treat (cookie, candy, time with Mom, special Wii time, or some other random token of gratitude for listening during the day). It has been an interesting month. First there was a lot of competition. Then there was just the annoyance of having me say, "Fine, APPLE!" since they pestered me with "Hey, mom, I did what you asked..." while looking at me with pleading puppy dog faces. Now the kids are working together to have all of them have 10 apples up on top for a great big family prize. I'm not saying the listening skill is perfected in our family, but it sure has improved!

Next month, INITIATIVE!!!

4 comments:

Carol said...

Hey, Mom! I set the table... I picked up my socks... I helped Evelyn get dressed... Hey Mom!!!!
You DO DEFINITELY have them reporting back very well!

Unknown said...

Another great idea...might have to steal it :)

Julia said...

I love the creative idea. I would love to see what next months looks like. We feel like we are always trying to find a new creative way to get the kids to do different things. Keep those great ideas coming...I might just have to copy some of them.

Bob and Raylene said...

Looks like another clever idea! We all know that those clever ideas only work for awhile so you must come up with another clever idea - you seem to be very good at that