Opportunities to Grow in Independence

One of the goals in child care is to create independence.

To provide children with a minimum of help, and give children many opportunities to grow in independence, classroom activities should require little involvement on the part of the teacher. Children should be able to participate in most activities without an adult's help. The activities, then, will need to match children’s skill levels.

The classroom environment, including room arrangement, can also foster the development of independence. Placing coat hooks, paper towels, tables, chairs, and equipment within children’s reach is helpful. This allows the children to act on their own. They do not have to depend on teachers for help at all times.

Here are some examples for home or school:

• A preschooler can set out the dishes for lunch or snack and clear them when done 
• Provide a kid-sized broom or hand brush and dustpan for messes
• Allow time for kids to dress on their own, time for them to button, zip, turn sleeves right side out
• Folding laundry, such as dish rags and towels or matching socks
• Use kid sized pitchers and small cups so kids can refill their own water easily
• Keep craft supplies available on a low shelf to be used and put away easily
• Low, sturdy shelves help children to wash hands or turn on lights on their own
• Simple snacks or meals can be prepared, such as PB&J sandwiches or washing vegetables

Stages of Cognitive Development in Toddlers (1 hour / .1 CEU)
Child Self Esteem (1 hour / .1 CEU)
Child Oriented Spaces  (1 hour / .1 CEU)