CHANGE LIGHTBULBS

LEVEL 4

Ages 9-11 years

TIME

15-20 minutes

FREQUENCY

As Needed

TOOLS

Lightbulbs, Ladder, Paper Towels, Trash

Rooms

Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, Laundry Room, Basement, Closet, Garage

SNAP to it !

With the advent of more energy-efficient and longer-lasting light bulbs, it almost seems silly even to assign a task of changing out light bulbs. But light bulbs still burn out once in a while. Also, if you move into a new place, you may want to replace all incandescent light bulbs with more efficient or unique ones. This is also an excellent opportunity to learn about electricity and energy costs. 

 

Most light bulbs can be reached by using a standard ladder. However, some recessed light bulbs are located in areas too high to reach. A few products on the market use extension poles and a device to grip the light bulbs. This is a good exercise in hand-eye coordination and muscle control. The risk is that light bulbs can be broken in the process. You decide what you are saying your child can handle. 

 

This is an excellent place for one of those. How many (fill in the blank) does it take to change a light bulb joke? How many mothers does it take to screw in a lightbulb? None, because they will get you to do it. 

YES! You will! 

 

So obviously you will need light bulbs. You will also need a regular ladder and dampened paper towels to wipe around the light fixture. If the light fixture is glass, you will probably need to help with extensive cleaning beyond wiping with a damp paper towel.  

 

Make sure and dispose of burned-out light bulbs in the trash. And then help them to carry the ladder and put it away where it belongs.