Materials: None.
STEP 1
Children enjoy helping and feeling independent. Think of some things your child can do to help you at home or when you are out and about. They might put on their shoes, carry an item, or hold your hand when crossing a street.
STEP 2
Tell your child that you need their help during the day. Ask them to help you by doing one thing you know they can do, like put on their shoes. As they put on their shoes, be sure to tell them what a big helper they are being.
STEP 3
Think of a new thing you would like your child to do. Once they can put on their shoes, they may be ready to put on their socks AND shoes. Show them how to do their new skill first. After a few days, have them try to do it on their own. If they get upset, gently help them and practice more.
MAKE IT EASIER:
Your child may need you to show them how to do something new many times before they are ready to do it on their own. Try this process: you do it for them, you help them do it, then they do it on their own.
EXTEND THE LEARNING:
Ask your child to help you by doing two or three things in a row. You might ask them to put on their socks, put on their shoes, and stand by the door to get ready to leave. Following more than one instruction at a time is an important school readiness skill.