Time on the farm has taught me the productive wisdom of the old nursery rhyme:

1-2 buckle my shoe (essential skill before any child can help out.)

3-4 shut the door (keep the goats out of the living room.)

5-6 pick up sticks (a good way for a child to be helpful.)

7-8 lay them straight (makes for a neater, more effective pile. Not a comment on sexual preference.)

9-10 a big fat hen (a lot of that going on here, plus now the child can count to ten.)