You have likely heard the phrase, “It’s not one and done.” When teaching independent living skills (ILS), this phrase holds true. As teachers, caretakers, and parents, we have likely thought, “I already taught you that.” However, when it comes to skills such as brushing teeth, tying shoes, cutting food, or organizing belongings, we must remember that students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI) need repetition just as their sighted peers. Often, a child who is BVI needs intentional instruction and practice due to limited incidental learning. You may need to reteach skills multiple times.
Children need opportunities to practice a skill several times to reach mastery. Reteaching skills will help solidify the child’s success. After you have taught the skill and the learner can perform it without assistance, be sure to circle back several times throughout the year to ensure they can still perform the task. Repetition is especially important if it is something the child is not expected to perform daily.
Think Creatively
Think of creative ways to incorporate the skill. For example, if a student has learned knife skills for cutting a piece of fruit, you may wish to try cutting a vegetable or piece of cake instead. Have them practice in art class to cut playdough or clay. Have them cut a piece of cheese or slice a banana for a quick snack with the teacher. A child can practice cutting skills in a variety of locations. Of course, do not forget to practice skills at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The more opportunities the child has to practice, the better they will generalize the skill, and the better they will get at accomplishing the task.
More Resources
Teaching ILS does not need to be complicated. You may think it takes too much time to teach these skills, but even a two-to-five-minute session can ensure the child learns skills well. Visit our Independent Living Skills page to gather ideas for teaching ILS to students in preschool through high school. On this page, you will find guidelines for age-appropriate skills, calendars with ideas for skills to practice, modules for ideas on what and how to teach ILS, ideas for short ILS lessons, and several resources.
MDE-LIO will also offer three ILS Tips and Tricks webinars this school year. In each session, participants will gain ideas they can incorporate into lessons to help students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI) become more independent. ILS includes skills such as cooking, cleaning, hygiene, organization, and more. Sessions will include demonstrations either by a professional or by a student who is BVI.
- September 25: ILS Tips and Tricks: Toddler Edition
- January 22: ILS Tips and Tricks: Home Maintenance
- March 19: ILS Tips and Tricks: What's the Next Level?
If you or your team need additional assistance getting started with ILS, do not hesitate to reach out to MDE-LIO at [email protected].
From MDE-LIO Education Consultant Amanda English, EdD