PouchHow to teach kids to rake leaves
Quick answer
Give your kid a rake that fits their height, show them how to pull leaves toward them in short strokes, and have them build a pile. Work in rows from one side of the yard to the other. Start with a small patch beside you before moving on to bigger areas.
What done looks like
- The lawn or path shows grass or ground, with no thick leaf mats left.
- Leaves are in one pile, or in bags or on a tarp.
- The rake is clean and back in its spot.
- Hands are washed when the job is over.
Steps
- Choose a dry day. Wet leaves are heavy and slippery.
- Check the yard for sticks, stones and anything sharp, and move them first.
- Show how to hold the rake: one hand near the top, one lower down.
- Pull leaves toward your body in short, steady strokes. Do not swing the rake.
- Rake in rows across the yard, so the work has a clear start and end.
- Pull each row into one big pile at the edge.
- Scoop the pile onto a tarp or into a bag, or leave it where your local rules allow.
- Put the rake away and wash hands.
By age
Kids vary, so these bands are broad. The job should always match the child in front of you.
| Age band | What they often do |
|---|---|
| Preschool | Use a small rake on a patch next to you, or help carry leaves in a bucket. |
| Early elementary | Rake a section of lawn and help move the pile. |
| Upper elementary | Rake a whole area and fill bags with a little help. |
| Teens | Handle the yard, bagging and cleanup, with you checking in. |
Common snags
- The rake is too tall. Pick a smaller one or shorten your grip.
- The pile blows away. Rake in the same direction as the wind and stop on gusty days.
- Your kid jumps into the pile and scatters it. Plan five minutes of jumping at the end.
- Arms get tired. Rake for a short stretch, then swap with a quieter job.
Safety
- Rake with an adult nearby, at least until you have shown them how and watched them manage. Wear gloves and closed shoes.
- Keep a few steps of space between rakers so tines do not catch anyone.
- Check piles for sharp things before anyone jumps in or scoops by hand.
- Stay away from the road, and keep the work on your side of the fence.
- Anything with a ladder, like gutters, is for adults.
Sample fall chart
Fall yard day
| Chore | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear sticks from the lawnonce this week | |||||||
| Rake leaves into rowsonce this week | |||||||
| Make one big pileonce this week | |||||||
| Fill the leaf bagsonce this week | |||||||
| Put the rake awayonce this week |
Making it a habit
A weekly leaf session in autumn goes faster than one huge pile. Add it to the weekend chore chart for the season. Our chores by age list has more job ideas.
Questions parents ask
What size rake should a kid use?
Pick one that lets your kid keep their hands near their waist and chest. A smaller rake with a lighter handle is easier to control.
Should kids rake wet leaves?
Dry leaves are lighter and easier. Wet leaves tend to clump and make the job harder, so wait for a dry day when you can.
Can kids use a leaf blower?
No. Blowers are power tools and are for adults.
What do I do with the leaves?
Bag them, use a tarp to drag them to a spot, or follow your local rules for yard waste.