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Practical Life

34 skills across all age groups in this category

The Newborn

The Newborn

Age 0 (0-12 months)

3 skills

#2 Grasping & Reaching

Role Model: Dr. Jeffrey Lockman
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Reflexive Grasp
Reflexively grasps objects placed in hand
2
Reaching & Batting
Reaches for and bats at hanging toys
3
Intentional Grasp
Deliberately grasps and holds objects
4
Hand Transfer
Transfers objects hand-to-hand smoothly
5
Two-Handed Exploration
Uses two hands together to explore objects
6
Emerging Pincer Grasp
Begins using thumb and finger to pick up small objects
7
Purposeful Release
Deliberately releases objects, places or drops intentionally
Click to see sub-goals

#7 Cup Drinking

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Drinks from an open cup held by caregiver
2
Assisted Drinking
Holds cup with both hands and drinks with help
3
Brings Cup to Mouth
Brings cup to mouth with help, some independent sips
4
Independent Drinking
Drinks from open cup independently (with spills)
Click to see sub-goals

#26 Assists in Dressing

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Awareness
Shows awareness during dressing (looks at clothes, body parts)
2
Cooperation
Cooperates with dressing (holds arm out, lifts foot)
3
Active Assistance
Actively assists in dressing (pushes arms through sleeves, lifts legs)
Click to see sub-goals
The Toddler

The Toddler

Age 1 (12-24 months)

3 skills

#32 Open Cup Drinking

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Baby" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Drinks from open cup held by adult
2
Developing
Holds cup with both hands and drinks with help
3
Mastery
Drinks from open cup independently
Click to see sub-goals

#39 Helping with Simple Tasks

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Puts items in trash or laundry basket
2
Developing
Helps with simple chores (wiping, carrying)
3
Mastery
Participates in household routines willingly
Click to see sub-goals

#41 Undressing

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Pulls off socks and hat
2
Developing
Removes shoes and pulls down pants
3
Mastery
Undresses with minimal help
Click to see sub-goals
The Explorer

The Explorer

Ages 2-3

9 skills

#47 Dressing

Role Model: Maria Montessori
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Puts on loose-fitting clothes with minimal help
2
Developing
Dresses completely, managing large buttons and zippers
3
Mastery
Selects weather-appropriate outfits and dresses independently
Click to see sub-goals

#48 Personal Hygiene

Role Model: Simone Davies (Montessori Educator)
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Washes hands and face independently
2
Developing
Brushes teeth effectively with minimal supervision
3
Mastery
Manages entire morning/evening hygiene routine
Click to see sub-goals

#49 Toilet Independence

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "Oh Crap! Potty Training" by Jamie Glowacki / "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Recognizes need to use toilet and communicates it
2
Developing
Uses toilet for both pee and poop with minimal accidents
3
Mastery
Uses toilet independently including wiping and flushing
4
Advanced
Manages bathroom needs in public restrooms
Click to see sub-goals

#50 Tidying Toys

Role Model: Marie Kondo
Resource: "KonMari for Kids" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Puts away personal toys in designated bins
2
Developing
Organizes own bookshelf and keeps personal space tidy
3
Mastery
Actively organizes common spaces
Click to see sub-goals

#51 Laundry Basics

Role Model: Fred Rogers
Resource: Family routine practice

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Puts dirty clothes in hamper and helps load washer
2
Developing
Helps transfer clothes to dryer and fold simple items
3
Mastery
Sorts laundry by color and fabric type with guidance
Click to see sub-goals

#52 Basic Cleaning

Role Model: Marie Kondo
Resource: "Japan's School Lunch Program" (Documentary)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Wipes up personal spills and crumbs
2
Developing
Sweeps a small area with broom and dustpan
3
Mastery
Helps with household cleaning tasks
Click to see sub-goals

#53 Shoe Care

Role Model: Mr. Rogers
Resource: "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" (shoe-tying clips)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Takes off own shoes and places them in a designated spot
2
Developing
Puts on velcro shoes independently
3
Mastery
Can tie shoes using the "bunny ears" method
Click to see sub-goals

#54 Bed Making

Role Model: Admiral William H. McRaven
Resource: "Make Your Bed" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Pulls up covers on bed with help
2
Developing
Straightens sheets and arranges pillows neatly
3
Mastery
Makes bed independently each morning
Click to see sub-goals

#55 Trash Disposal

Role Model: Ryan Hickman
Resource: Local recycling program materials

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Throws away own trash in the correct bin
2
Developing
Identifies recyclables vs. trash and sorts correctly
3
Mastery
Takes small trash bags to outdoor bins
Click to see sub-goals
The Apprentice

The Apprentice

Ages 4-5

9 skills

#92 Full Laundry Cycle

Role Model: Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle
Resource: "How to Do Laundry" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Folds own clothes and puts them in correct drawers
2
Developing
Operates washing machine and dryer with supervision
3
Mastery
Completes own laundry from start to finish
Click to see sub-goals

#93 Household Cleaning

Role Model: Marie Kondo
Resource: "Japan's School Cleaning Time" (Documentary)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Responsible for cleaning own room weekly
2
Developing
Cleans a bathroom sink and mirror properly
3
Mastery
Participates in full-house cleaning
Click to see sub-goals

#94 Bathing Alone

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: "The Montessori Toddler" by Simone Davies / American Academy of Pediatrics bathing guidelines

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Washes own body with supervision in the tub
2
Developing
Washes and rinses hair with minimal help
3
Mastery
Completes entire bath routine with adult nearby
4
Advanced
Manages bath time completely independently
Click to see sub-goals

#96 Basic Repairs

Role Model: Adam Savage (Mythbusters)
Resource: "Adam Savage's Tested" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Uses a screwdriver to tighten a loose screw
2
Developing
Helps with simple assembly projects
3
Mastery
Uses a small hammer to tap in a nail
Click to see sub-goals

#97 Mail & Packages

Role Model: Mr. McFeely
Resource: Post office field trip

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Brings in mail and sorts by recipient
2
Developing
Opens packages and breaks down cardboard
3
Mastery
Writes a letter, addresses envelope, applies stamp
Click to see sub-goals

#98 Ironing

Role Model: Martha Stewart
Resource: "How to Iron" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands iron is hot and watches adult iron
2
Developing
Irons simple items (napkins) with supervision
3
Mastery
Irons own t-shirts and simple clothing
Click to see sub-goals

#99 Organizing Spaces

Role Model: Marie Kondo
Resource: "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" (Netflix)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Organizes own desk or shelf with guidance
2
Developing
Organizes room including closet systematically
3
Mastery
Helps organize common areas
Click to see sub-goals

#100 Time Awareness

Role Model: Benjamin Franklin
Resource: "A Day in the Life" routines

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands daily routine and what comes next
2
Developing
Reads digital clock and knows key times
3
Mastery
Reads analog clock to hour and half-hour
Click to see sub-goals

#101 Phone Skills

Role Model: Mary Poppins
Resource: Emergency services educational materials

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Answers phone and calls for parent
2
Developing
Makes calls to familiar numbers
3
Mastery
Knows how to call 911 and what info to provide
Click to see sub-goals
The Maker

The Maker

Ages 6-8

7 skills

#153 Advanced Home Maintenance

Role Model: Tom Silva
Resource: "This Old House" (PBS)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Safely uses a power drill
2
Developing
Helps with major home repair
3
Mastery
Identifies and fixes simple plumbing leaks
Click to see sub-goals

#154 Household Management

Role Model: Monica Geller
Resource: Family chore charts

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Responsible for a major household chore domain
2
Developing
Manages a weekly chore chart
3
Mastery
Plans and executes a full-house deep clean
Click to see sub-goals

#155 Showering Alone

Role Model: Daniel Tiger
Resource: American Academy of Pediatrics hygiene guidelines / "Teaching Life Skills to Children" resources

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Understands shower safety and water temperature control
2
Developing
Washes body and hair independently with adult nearby
3
Mastery
Completes entire shower routine independently
4
Advanced
Manages complete bathroom routine including cleanup
Click to see sub-goals

#156 Sewing

Role Model: Cinderella
Resource: "Sewing School" (Book)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Sews on a button and mends a simple seam
2
Developing
Uses a sewing machine for simple items
3
Mastery
Reads a simple sewing pattern
Click to see sub-goals

#157 Lawn Care

Role Model: Hank Hill
Resource: "How to Mow a Lawn" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Helps with raking leaves and basic yard work
2
Developing
Operates a push mower with supervision
3
Mastery
Maintains lawn independently
Click to see sub-goals

#158 Car Washing

Role Model: Blippi
Resource: "How to Wash a Car" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Helps wash family car
2
Developing
Washes car independently
3
Mastery
Details interior including vacuuming
Click to see sub-goals

#159 Grocery Budget

Role Model: Olympia
Resource: "Greenlight" app for kids

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Helps compare prices while shopping
2
Developing
Creates shopping list within budget
3
Mastery
Manages weekly grocery budget
Click to see sub-goals
The Innovator

The Innovator

Ages 9-12

2 skills

#245 Smart Home Management

Role Model: Marques Brownlee
Resource: "Smart Home Setup Guides" (YouTube)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Sets up and manages smart home devices
2
Developing
Creates simple automations
3
Mastery
Troubleshoots connectivity issues
Click to see sub-goals

#246 Event Planning

Role Model: Mindy Weiss
Resource: "Event Planning for Dummies" (simplified)

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Plans and executes own birthday party
2
Developing
Plans a multi-day family trip
3
Mastery
Organizes a small community event
Click to see sub-goals
The Trailblazer

The Trailblazer

Ages 13-15

1 skills

#428 Home Maintenance

Role Model: Bob Vila
Resource: "Home Improvement 1-2-3" by Home Depot

Progressive Sub-Goals

1
Introduction
Performs basic maintenance tasks
2
Developing
Handles minor repairs independently
3
Mastery
Manages home maintenance schedule
Click to see sub-goals

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