PL 5.07Outdoor Care

1. 1

   Invite the child to the tool rack. Point out the outline for each tool.

2. 2

   Put on gloves. Take the rake and carry it with the teeth pointing down, close to the ground.

3. 3

   Rake leaves toward one pile with long, slow strokes.

4. 4

   Scoop the pile into the bucket with your hands. Carry it to the compost and empty it.

5. 5

   Return the rake to its outline on the rack. Hanging each tool on its outline is the point of interest.

6. 6

   On other days, present sweeping the path, watering the garden, and pulling weeds by holding the base of the plant and pulling straight up.

7. 7

   Invite the child to choose an outdoor job.

What catches the child’s eye

• Each tool hanging on its own outline
• The pile of leaves growing with each stroke

Extensions, easiest to hardest

1. Wash outdoor tables and chairs
2. Plant bulbs or seeds in a garden bed
3. Rake leaves onto a tarp and pull it to the compost with a partner
4. Shovel light snow from a path (see Shoveling Snow)
5. Keep a weekly outdoor jobs chart