Fostering Life Skills at Fossil Bay School and Kindergarten
At Fossil Bay School and Kindergarten, we believe that completing chores is more than just a way to keep our environment tidy—they are essential life skill lessons for our students. The importance of children doing chores has been underscored by the Harvard Grant Study, a multigenerational research project that has been ongoing for over 85 years. This study found a strong connection between children doing chores and their success later in life. Among the 700 high achievers studied, those who did more chores as children were more likely to be successful and happier adults.
Our approach at Fossil Bay aligns with these findings. Chores help our children develop a strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility, and values of hard work. They also foster a sense of involvement in shared responsibilities and community, leading to greater self-worth and a willingness to help others.
In our kindergarten, children participate in various activities such as baking, tidying up, and putting away chairs. These tasks are designed to be age-appropriate and manageable, ensuring that even our youngest learners can contribute meaningfully.
For our primary students, the end of each day includes housework tasks such as taking out the rubbish, compost, and recycling, vacuum cleaning, sweeping, and watering the vegetable garden. These activities not only keep our school environment clean and green but also instil valuable life skills in our students.
By incorporating these tasks into our daily routine, we are helping our students build a foundation for future success and happiness. At Fossil Bay School and Kindergarten, we are not just teaching subjects—we are nurturing responsible, capable, and community-minded individuals.
Here are some examples of age-appropriate chores that children can do at different stages:
2–3 years olds: Put away toys and groceries, dress themselves with help
4–5 years olds: Help feed pets, make their beds, clear the table after dinner
6–7 years olds: Wipe tables and counters, put away laundry, sweep floors
8–9 years olds: Load and unload the dishwasher, help prepare simple meals, set the table
10–12 years olds: Take out the rubbish, mow the lawn, wash the car, fold laundry
13 years and older: Clean the bathroom, do the laundry, cook full meals, assist with grocery shopping
Additionally, we host termly working bees where families come together on weekends to clean, mend, and improve our physical environment, concluding with a shared meal. These working bees not only help us save money and minimise fees but also offer more significant benefits. Children love observing their parents taking an interest in their environment and learn that tasks like window cleaning don't just happen by themselves. They meet their friends' parents, and adults form bonds while working together. These experiences are crucial for healthy upbringing, fostering a strong community spirit. We thank parents for their participation.
Whenever possible, we aim to complete as much building work during school hours, allowing the children to observe and engage. They especially love when our builder, Carl, comes in to build and mend things. Carl often has a circle of children around him, and although this might slow him down, we love offering this real-world example to the children. Seeing Carl at work provides them with valuable insights into practical skills and the importance of maintaining their environment.