As your child grows, they will learn how to do things on their own. By teaching your child basic practical skills, they will learn how to coordinate their body and solve problems. Some basic practical skills for kids include zipping up their coat, opening a container, or putting on their shoes.
Your child does not have to be able to do all of these tasks right away. Give your child chances to do a bit of the task throughout the day. Whether your child is getting ready for school in Silver Spring, MD, or at home, there are many things they can practice.
Below are 10 practical skills that kids can learn at home.
There are many different types of containers your child can practice opening and closing.
By allowing your child to open containers that are easy to open and close, you can build up to containers that require a little more effort.
Allow your child to open their snack container and close it when they are done. This can also help when your child is getting ready to go to preschool or school. They can learn to open and close their own containers.
When learning to zip and unzip a zipper, your child will have to learn to coordinate their hands and have patience.
First, allow your child to pull the zipper up and down. Once they are comfortable with this, allow them to line up the zipper and start the process. There are many items that your child can practice zipping and unzipping on.
Allow your child to try to zip their coat or other item on their own. If they need help, allow them to try.
Similar to zipping and unzipping, buttons can help your child coordinate their hands.
Allow your child to practice with bigger buttons first. You can let your child button their shirt or do a dress-up activity.
Allow your child to push the button through the hole and then remove it. It may take a few tries, but allow your child to practice.
Another practical skill that kids can learn at home is putting on and taking off their shoes.
Have your child place their shoe next to their foot and see if they can put it on. Your child can also practice putting on Velcro.
If your child is learning to tie their shoes, allow them to practice when you are not in a rush to get out the door.
Your child can learn to dress themselves by allowing them to put on different pieces of clothing.
Allow your child to put on their socks, pull up their pants, put on a shirt, or take off a jacket. Allow your child to do some of the task and help them with the rest.
When your child knows what to expect in the morning, it can help them learn these tasks.
Allowing your child to feed themselves can teach them many practical skills for kids.
They can learn how to use a spoon and fork, drink out of a cup, spread with a utensil that is safe for kids, and pour water into their cup.
Allow your child to practice with small amounts of food or water. You can use a cup or pitcher that your child can hold easily. Don’t worry if they spill. It’s all practice.
Teaching your child to clean up after they play can be a simple, practical skill for kids to learn at home.
Allow your child to put their toys away, put books on a shelf, put dirty clothes in the hamper and throw away trash.
If you can organize your child’s play area, it will help them learn to clean up. Have a basket for toys and a shelf for books that they can reach.
Helping your child with practical skills in Rockville can help them at home and at school.
Allowing your child to wash their hands can also teach them practical skills.
Show your child how to turn on the water, apply soap to their hands, rub their hands, rinse off the soap, and dry their hands.
Depending on how old your child is, they may need supervision or help remembering the steps.
Encourage your child to know when they need to wash their hands.
You can teach your child to pack and unpack their backpack.
Show your child how to open their backpack and put items in it. Then have them close it and walk it to where they need to put it. You can also allow your child to check their backpack to make sure they have everything.
When your child comes home from school, you can allow them to take their lunch box out of their bag. Put their backpack where it belongs and put papers away.
Allowing your child to do these things can help them feel responsible for their belongings.
Allowing your child to try and do things on their own can help them learn practical skills.
If your child asks you to do something for them, allow them to try first.
Allow your child to practice trying to do things on their own. If they need help, you can always step in and help them.
Allowing your child to learn these practical skills will take time. Some days they may not be able to zip their coat, and other days they can. Your child may be able to put on their shoes but not zip their jacket. Allow your child to try these things, and if they need more time, give them time. Help them when they become frustrated, and they will continue to learn.
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MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
