Small Steps

Independent Living SkillsTeaching

Skills for Life

Simply

Getting readyBeing organisedBeing responsibleBeing able to use your initiative and do what needs to be done

Dear Parent or Carer, Feeling stuck for what to do? Feeling overwhelmed by teaching your child? Don't worry we are here to help. Follow these small steps toindependent living and teach your child some really importantskills for life. This booklet focuses on the skill of self-management which simplymeans managing yourself to get things done!  It also includes:

We have provided you with examples to teach your child theseskills. Make sure to look out for symbols and to take this chance totalk to your child about safety and risk in the home.

Teaching

Skills for Life

Simply

Cooking a simple healthy mealPreparing a shopping listPreparing food

Every child is different and will develop at different times, you willknow when your child is ready to become independent. The homeenvironment is the best place to start. By talking, sharing andteaching your child simple tasks, you will help them to become moreindependent as they grow up. Teaching your child life skills can take time. It's a great idea to take itslowly and to gradually introduce new tasks as your childprogresses. All tasks should initially be completed together so thatyou can ensure your child understands risks and dangers involved. In this booklet you will find suggestions for how to break tasks downinto small steps and you will also find blank templates for you tocreate and complete together. Why not try?

Agreeing a reward system can empower your child to make their ownchoices and teach important Skills for Life at the same time. #skillsforlifemcr

Teaching

Skills for Life

Simply

Independent Living:

Using a Washing Machine

Small steps...

Sorts items into twodifferent piles: l ight anddark colours

Put washing powder in theright part of the machineand check door is closed

Choose the right setting andpress start

Come back when it 'sfinished and hang thewashing out to dry

Choose a pile to wash, putthem in the washingmachine and close the door

Look at the timer and checkwhat time the wash willend

I can do this safelyon my own

I can do this withhelp

Independent Living:

Make a Cup of Tea

I can do this withhelp

I can do this on myown

Skil l : Make a Cup of Tea

Get all the equipment youneed: mug, tea, milk,kettle, spoon

Fill the kettle with waterand turn the kettle on

When the kettle isboiled carefullypour the hot waterinto the mug

Brew your tea for about 2minutes and then add milkto the mug

Put one tea bag in the mugand wait for the kettle toboil

Stir your tea, sit down andenjoy :)

Remember to talk to your child about dangers.

Take care when drinking tea it will be hot!

Small steps...

Independent Living:

Making Toast

When the toast popsup put it on a plateand be careful itwill be hot 

Put bread into the toasterone slice at a time

Press down the lever on theside and wait

Get out a plate, knife andbutter

Use the knife to carefullyspread some butter ontothe toast

Cut your toast in half andenjoy :)

I can do this safelyon my own

I can do this withhelp

Remember to talk to your child about dangers.

Take care when eating your toast it might be hot!

Small steps...

Independent Living:

Cooking a Pizza

Wait until the oven isheated up. Take the pizzaout the box

Look at the back of the boxand read the cookinginstructions

Place only the pizzaon a metal tray anduse oven gloves to putit in the hot oven

Check back of pizza box fortimings and set and alarm

I can do this safelyon my own

Set the oven at the righttemperature and turn theoven on

When the alarm goes,use oven gloves tocarefully take pizza outof the hot oven.

I can do this withhelp

Remember to talk to your child about dangers.

Take care when eating your pizza it will be hot!

Small steps...

Independent Living:

Daily Routines

Shower or bathe every day

Brush your teeth twice aday

I can do this safelyon my own

Wash hands after going tothe toilet, preparing food and being outside

7 ways to keep clean and fresh

Wear clean socks andunderwear every day

Put dirty clothes in thewashing basket

Put underarm deodorantonto to a clean bodyevery day

I can do this withhelp

Small steps...

Independent Living:

Weekly Routines

Tidy up and put thingsaway

Wash clothes regularly inwashing machine

I can do this withhelp

I can do this safelyon my own

Talk to friends and familyand do something you enjoy

6 ways to keep healthy and clean.

Eat fruit and vegetablesevery day

Take part in physicalactivity and get movingfor at least 1 hour everyday

Drink 2-3 big glasses ofwater every day

What are the small steps?

I am going

to:___________________

I can do this withhelp

I can do this safelyon my own

___________________

Self-managment

Being organised Being readyBeing accountable Using initiative

Self-management is simply theskill of managing yourself to getthings done. It includes:

These skills are essential Skills forLife

Teaching

Skills for Life

Simply

Whether you found this useful?

If you could change one thing what would it be?

What other tasks do SEND children and young people need tolearn for independent living?

Dear Parent or Carer, I hope that this resource has been useful. As this is a new resourceI would welcome any feedback on:

This booklet is a trial and if successful will be produced fordifferent skills, different formats and in different languages. Please feel free to share any further ideas with me at :natalie.dodd@manchester.gov.uk Thank you Natalie