Jackets ... I CAN do IT!

With the arrival of more seasonal weather jackets and other gear will become increasingly a common fixture of our day.  Getting ready is an important self-help skill for young children, but challenging at the same time.  It is always fun to see how the children work together to teach one another strategies on how to get dressed efficiently. These videos are examples of how young children are able to get jackets on with no adult help. 

Tess demonstrated the "head at your feet and flip it over" strategy.

Hazel showed how a hood can be used to facilitate getting your arms in the sleeves.

Vivian demonstrated how to make sure your fingers do not get caught in the sleeve.

Zach has been helping others learn to zip their jackets.

The better children get with putting on jackets now, the easier winter will be!

The children will often help those that are learning how to get dressed independently.  We do ask that everyone tries (since this is the only way they will get to be independent), and of course help is available.  After a few tries, then help can be sought out.

The key to getting help is to vocalize and ask.  Simply holding out a jacket and looking at a person is not enough to get help. "Would you be willing to teach me how to put on my jacket/zip my jacket?" is the direction we are working on encouraging those that are learning how to get ready.