Examples of Practical Daily Skills & Play-Based Activities

Teachers model these tasks, create routines for consistency, and use play-based learning to encourage exploration and practice.

• Self-Care Skills: putting on/taking off coats, hats, mittens, shoes; practicing with zippers, buttons, snapping, and Velcro; turning clothes right-side-out; managing/organizing personal belongings like backpacks, folders, papers, and clothing
• Hygiene: thoroughly cleaning hands before eating and after using the bathroom; coughing into elbow and using a tissue when needed; using the toilet independently, including flushing and cleaning up afterward
• Caring for Communal Spaces: putting away toys, returning items to shelves, cleaning up art supplies, sorting objects, throwing away trash and maintaining a tidy space
• Eating: waiting for entire group to be seated; saying prayers; using utensils/cups neatly, cleaning up spills, opening food packaging & peeling fruits; visiting with neighbors using a quiet voice; tidying area and pushing in chairs; saying please & thank you; requesting or declining food politely
• Hand Muscle Strength: squeezing, rolling, and pounding playdough or clay, using hole punchers and staplers, hand motions in songs and poems
• Precision & Small/Large-Muscle Coordination: using tweezers or tongs to transfer pom-poms, using pegs in boards, building with Legos or small blocks, stringing beads, using spoons to transfer items, pouring water/rice between cups, using stickers, tearing paper, using sponges, threading beads; holding pencils/tools correctly; manipulating locks & keys; using a hammer; hanging items on hooks; throwing and catching, riding a scooter, dancing, skipping, balancing/hopping on one foot, identify and move parts of the body
• Cutting & Art: cutting paper with scissors, pasting, coloring, painting, drawing, mosaics, stamps
• Manipulatives: putting together puzzles; playing with puppets; gears; magnets; simple machines; stacking cups; sensory bins; pretend and dramatic role-play
• Sequencing: learning the step-by-step process of tasks; recalling and following a daily routine; working with a sense of order
• Cognitive & Functional Skills: listening to and executing multi-step instructions; developing the attention span to sit, listen, and focus during circle time, stories, and chapel lessons; explicitly requesting assistance from peers or teachers when needed; attempt challenging tasks independently before asking for help; use critical thinking skills to complete tasks and solve problems