Toy Jail

The idea of a "toy jail" is not new to me.  When I worked in a daycare, we used it a lot when the children would fight over specific toys.  We had a milk crate that sat on a shelf, when the kids fought over a toy it went into jail for an allotted amount of time.  I also have friends who have used this idea with their kids for a long time, too.  I saw a creative spin on the toy jail at Saving Makes Cents.  She calls it a Ransom Box ... the children pay a ransom (do a chore) to get the toy back.  Here is a link to Her Idea.  The poem is credited to Just Another Day in Paradise.

Now, I'm going to share my take on the idea along with a downloadable printout to put on your bin.

My bin :)

1. First, get an empty storage bin to use for your jail.  I like a clear one so that they can see what's in it.
2. Then Print out the label and chore list.  
3. Cut a slit in the label just above where it says "choose a chore".  
4. Tape a piece of paper to the back so that it becomes a pocket.  
5. Cut the chore list into strips and place them into the pocket.  

TIP :  You may want to laminate or cover them with clear contact paper.

Choose your bin label from the formats below.  Click on it to enlarge the photo then right click to save to your computer.

JPEG

GIF

PNG

Now for the chore list!

PNG

GIF

JPEG