7 activities that can support independence in preschool children
Developing independence is a vital factor in a child’s development, and supports preschool children in becoming school ready. The Early Years Foundation Stage supports independence stating that every child should learn resilience, confidence and self-assurance. Young children often enjoy gaining independence in everyday tasks and most go through the “I do it” phase, yet how can this quest for independence be supported further?
Here are 7 activities that can support independence in preschool children
Getting dressed
Encouraging the child to dress themselves is a big step towards independence. Preschool children should be supported in putting their own coats and shoes on to go outside. This will help children to problem solve and feel confident in themselves. Fastenings on coats and shoes may be difficult for the child to manipulate, however the adult can help to get started and encourage the child to complete the last step such as pulling the zip up.
Choosing their snack
Children are often offered a range of fruit at snack time, this can help a child gain independence through making choices. The practitioner should offer the child two or three different options and allow the child to chose which pieces of fruit they would like to eat. This supports the child in evaluating their likes and dislikes, whilst offering some self control over their choices.
Preparing breakfast
Children that are offered breakfast at the setting can be encouraged to prepare their own. Let the child collect a bowl and spoon, and choose their cereal. Open lid containers that provide a scoop are a great way for the children to self serve. This allows the child control over how much cereal they would like to eat. Milk can be offered in small jugs, enabling the child to pour it easily into their bowl.
Tidying up toys
Encouraging children to tidy away their toys after use teaches them to look after their belongings. Toys can be stored away in open boxes using photo labels to help the children find the correct places. Using sand timers and a tidy up song can support the children in learning a good routine when it comes to tidying up before lunch or home time.
Setting up the dinner table
Children often like to help adults carry out daily tasks. Setting up the table for dinner time is a great way for children to feel involved and independent. Children can be encouraged to place the cutlery and cups out prior to dinner being served. Small jugs can be used to allow the children to pour drinks ready for their peers too. This task teaches the children to help others and gives them a boost of self-esteem.
Self service at dinner time
As with breakfast, children can access self service at dinner time too. Food should be checked for temperature, and any items that are not hot can be offered at the table for the children to add to their plates independently. Encouraging children to use cutlery independently also supports their confidence. Children can spread their own butter on toast or cut their dinner up, supporting their own problem solving skills.
Taking care of a pet
A great deal of settings now have a ‘nursery pet’, and this can support a child’s independence. Children can help practitioners to take care of the pet by feeding them or helping to clean out cages. Risk assessments must be carried out to ensure the safety of the children, however adding hay to a rabbit hutch or sprinkling fish food into a tank are some helpful, safe ways that children can be involved in the process.