There is so much to learn beyond academics! As home education families, we have the opportunity to integrate practical life skills into our children’s learning that will help them become independent and competent adults.
These can be boredom-busters or used to break up academic routines. Insert something new and important into their learning.
Incorporating life skills helps children learn responsibility and feel like contributing members of their families. It also builds independence and confidence, as well as promotes critical thinking and problem solving.
Kids can begin when they’re quite young by “helping” parents with regular chores or adapting them to age-appropriate levels that can be done independently as the child gets older and gains more familiarity with the tasks. For teens, life skills can bridge the gap from academics to adulthood.
What would you suggest adding to our list?
Personal Hygiene
- Brush teeth
- Comb, brush hair
- Wash body and hair
- Independent dressing
- Selecting weather-appropriate clothing
General Living Spaces
- Run a floor vacuum
- Use a hand vacuum
- Sweep the floor
- Mop the floor
- Dust furniture and household items
- Change a lightbulb
- Change batteries
- Light a match or lighter
- Water houseplants
- Hang up coats and backpacks
- Put away shoes
- Put away personal items, books, and toys
- Recycle magazines and newspapers
- Collect trash around the house
- Replace trash bags
Safety
- Open, close, and lock windows
- How and when to use 9-1-1
- Internet safety and digital literacy, online privacy
- First aid and CPR
- Fire drills
- Hide a house key
- Locate fire extinguishers and how to use them
- Locate and check smoke detectors
- Swimming
Kitchen and Dining
- Make a grocery list
- How to grocery shop – compare prices, select produce, check expiration dates
- Bag groceries
- Put away groceries
- Turn on/off cooktop or range
- Operate the microwave
- Operate the toaster
- Identify which dishware is dishwasher and microwave safe
- Read a recipe and prepare the item
- Plan and prepare a dinner for the family
- Cut soft fruits and vegetables, basic knife safety
- Boil water for tea or hot cocoa
- Refill ice tray
- Make a packed lunch
- Wipe down a refrigerator shelf
- Wash dishes
- Load the dishwasher
- Put clean dishes away
- Set the table
- Clear the table
- Wrap and store meal leftovers
Bedroom
- Make the bed
- Change sheets and pillowcases
- Put away clean laundry
- Put dirty laundry in hamper
- Straighten up bedroom
Bathroom
- Add soap to refillable soap bottles
- Replace soap and shampoo
- Wipe down countertops
- Fold and hang towels
- Scrub the sink
- Scrub the toilet
- Scrub the tub/shower
- Replace the toilet paper roll
Laundry
- Start the washing machine
- Select the correct settings for different clothes
- Sort clothes, check for stains, empty pockets
- Stain-treat clothes
- Start the dryer
- Sew on a button
- Use an iron
- Fold towels
- Fold clothes
- Hang clothes to dry
- Fold sheets
Office
- Address and stamp envelope
- Refill a stapler
- Refill paper in printer
- Replace toner in printer
- Write a letter
- Write a thank you note
- Mail letters
- How to take a message
Pets
- Feed the pet
- Refresh water for the pet
- Wash pet bowls
- Clean out litter box or bird cage
- Clean fish tank
- Pick up and dispose of dog poop
- Brush the pet
- Bathe the pet
Outside
- Rake leaves
- Shovel snow
- Pick up trash
- Check the mailbox
- Water flowers and garden
Beyond the Home
- Identify local landmarks
- How to read a map and use map apps
- Check air pressure and put air in a tire
- How to put gas in the car
- Navigate crosswalks
- Call an Uber/Lyft and use safely
- Protect personal items in a crowd
- Order from a menu
- Leave a tip
- Find and check books from a library
- Read bus/shuttle schedules
- Buy bus/shuttle fare
- Operate an ATM
- Civic involvement
Etiquette
- Share and take turns
- Ask for help
- Introduce yourself
- Introduce someone else
- Shake hands
- Sit neatly
- Have a conversation with someone older
- Have a conversation with someone younger
- Select a gift for someone
- Wrap a gift
- Apologize sincerely
- Use various silverware utensils
- Eat/chew with a closed mouth
Emotional Maturity
- Goal setting
- Express emotions
- Conflict resolution
- Peer pressure
- Consider alternatives – pros/cons, options
- Decision making under pressure
- Critical thinking – asking why, considering consequences
- Public speaking
- Volunteering
- Charity and donations
- Time management
- Job skills – finding and applying for jobs, interviewing, punctuality
- Relationships, dating, consent, and boundaries
- Schedule appointments
- Complete health forms
- Self-advocacy
Finances
- Balance an account
- Prepare a budget
- Savings and spending choices
- Understand compound interest
- Exchange coins for a deposit or cash at a bank
- Deposit a check at a bank
- Insurance
- Taxes and fees
- Credit cards and credit rating
- Household finances – lease/mortgage, utilities
Household Repair
- Use a hammer
- Tighten/loosen a screw
- Fix something
- Hang a picture
- Assemble something following directions
- Safely use power tools
For more ideas, we found some additional free life skill resources.
ActiviTeacher on Teachers Pay Teachers (special education)
Khan Academy – Financial Literacy
