Encouraging Independence for Preschoolers

In an organized environment, preschool and kindergarten-age children can:

• help in making their lunch.
• brush their hair in the morning.
• dress themselves and put on their own jacket/coat.
• put on their socks and shoes. Even if they need help with tying, etc., they can make the effort.
• remember their backpack, jacket, lunch, work folder/binder, etc.
• carry their own belongings (backpack, lunch, snack, etc.) to class.
• walk into class from the morning car line by themselves.
• go to the bathroom independently as long as their clothes are not a hindrance.
• pour their beverages and serve themselves, clean up after themselves upon finishing eating.
• carry their plate to the kitchen after meals.

In an organized environment, preschool and kindergarten-age children can:

• help set the table.
• sort silverware after it has been washed.
• clean up spills; sweep floors.
• put away their toys.
• straighten their room.
• sort clean socks, fold towels, etc., on laundry day.
• have responsibilities in keeping the environment clean and tidy.
• help prepare veggies/fruit for meals at home.
• help plant flowers, weeded flower beds, water plants, etc.

In an organized environment, preschool and kindergarten-age children can:

• show respect for others.
• wait patiently without interrupting conversations.
• use appropriate table manners.
• understand not to take or use things that belong to others without asking for permission.
• begin to solve problems with little or no interference from adults.
• feel empathy for others.

For preschool and kindergarten-age children, it is OK:

• if your child complains about doing what he has been asked to do; stand your ground!
• if your child is crying or whining when she comes into class; just let her go and she will be fine. We will call you in the event that she does not settle down.
• if your child’s clothing is not perfectly matched. It shows that he has been given the opportunity to make his choice independently.
• if your child makes mistakes. It allows her to learn on her own.
• if your child’s hair is not perfectly coiffed and/or groomed.
• if your child spills when pouring, drops when carrying, or does not clean up “perfectly.”
• if your child misspells words and writes letters and/or numbers backwards.
• if your child forgets his backpack, lunch, folder, etc. on occasion. The natural consequences that occur may keep it from happening in the future.
• if your child temporarily misplaces an item.
• if you let your child try to solve her conflicts on her own before intervening.
• if your child is brought to school in their PJs if you have had a particularly difficult time that morning.
• if your child brings leftovers for lunch.
• if your child is not eager to do academic work when he gets home.
• if your child is assertive about her needs or feelings—this shows valuable self-awareness.
• if your child thrives under repetition; he relishes the ability to master a skill and use it.