Children are capable of so much more than we usually expect.
Independence looks different depending on the age of a child, but every child can show independence. Here are some benchmarks of independence for those in our Lower Elementary program (grades 1-3).
CARE FOR SELF
At home and at school, children in grades 1-3 can:
- wake to an alarm clock, get dressed, and be ready for breakfast.
- make their breakfast.
- fill their water bottle.
- pack their lunch with nutritious foods.
- remember to bring lunch, coat, water bottle, and backpack to and from school.
- walk in from car line alone.
- carry their belongings.
- serve themselves.
- clean up spills and accidents.
- complete homework by themselves and turn it in when due.
- get into and out of their car seat or booster seat by themselves.
CARE FOR ENVIRONMENT
At home and at school, children in grades 1-3 can:
- make their bed every day.
- fold laundry and put it away.
- feed and care for pets.
- put away toys, games, and books.
- set the table for meals.
- help to do the dishes.
- sort their trash (recycling and compost).
- take out the trash and recycling.
- sweep and vacuum the floors.
- read a book to parents, siblings, and by themselves.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
At home and at school, children in grades 1-3 can:
- say please and thank you.
- help others with work.
- solve problems with friends and adults.
- take advantage of peer mediation when necessary.
- apologize and make amends.
THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE IS NEVER EASY
For children in grades 1-3, it is OK:
- for your child to learn from her mistakes.
- to eat whatever the teacher can find at school for lunch because lunch was forgotten at home or in the car.
- if the laundry is not folded perfectly or in the right place in the closet or drawer.
- if your child feels some frustration at having to figure something out on his own.
- to miss a favorite television show to have time to wind down and read before bed.
- to go to bed early to keep from being too tired to get up on time in the morning.
- to make two trips to move all of her belongings from one place to the next.
- to spill.
- for your child to feel disappointed because he was told “no.”
- for your child to search for something that has been lost.
- for your child to complain about doing homework and using the dictionary.
- if her projects or book reports look like she did it and not her parent.
- to forget his homework (occasionally).
- if your child is more focused on quality of work over the quantity.
- for your child to complain about taking care of his belongings.
- for your child to complain about having to dress appropriately for the weather.
- to not be able to explain all of the work done at school and why.
- if your child does not share details of her day with you.
- to have a limit on screen time during the school week and on weekends and/or not have screen time until homework and chores are done.
- for your child to arrive at school in her pajamas with a comb, toothbrush, and clothes in a bag.
- to be upset with a friend, and work to resolve the issue.
- for you to have different expectations of your child than other parents have of theirs.
