Listen to this article · about 3 min
Key takeaways
- Break daily routines into small steps.
- Use visual supports to guide learning.
- Praise every small effort along the way.
Practicing life skills at home is a wonderful way to build daily independence. This week, we are looking at setting the dinner table together as a fun, step-by-step routine that helps your child feel proud and involved in family meals.
What you need
- A set of child-friendly plates and bowls
- Soft fabric napkins and dull spoons or plastic cutlery
- A simple picture checklist showing each table item
- A placemat with outlines drawn for where items go
How to do it
- Sit together with your child and look at the picture checklist for setting the table.
- Take out one placemat and place it gently in front of your child’s seat.
- Ask your child to place the plate right in the middle of the placemat.
- Help your child set the napkin down next to the plate using gentle hand-over-hand guidance if needed.
- Add the fork on one side of the plate and the spoon on the other side.
- Place a cup near the top corner of the placemat to finish the setup.
- Step back together, look at the finished table, and share a warm, encouraging smile for a job well done.
Make it easier or harder
- Use a visual placemat with clear outlines so your child knows exactly where each dish goes.
- Start by having your child practice just one item, like putting down the napkin, before adding more steps.
- Offer specific, enthusiastic praise the moment your child tries a step independently.
- For an extra challenge, have your child count out enough plates for everyone in the family.
Skills your child practises
- Following a step-by-step routine
- Matching objects to picture outlines
- Building fine motor control and coordination
- Developing independence during daily family tasks
Every child learns daily routines at their own unique pace, so keep things relaxed and fun!
For more personalized guidance on building daily routines, school transitions, or finding Ontario Autism Program funding support, book your free 20-minute call with the Bloom ABA team today.
Cover image: photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
