As children get older, it is important for them to feel that they are part of the community- a sense of belonging. One of the ways that they could do this in my classroom is by participating in classroom chores.
Some are daily tasks to complete:
- Making popcorn for snack
- Setting table for snack and lunch
- Making juice for snack
- Sweeping after snack and lunch
- Wiping tables at the end of the day
- Filing picture icons for the schedule board
- Vacuuming floor
Some are weekly tasks to complete:
- Shredding paper
- Wiping all tables
- Emptying the vacuum
- Taking recycling out
- Cleaning refrigerator
- Cleaning microwave
The daily job will rotate weekly so that each student gets to learn and complete the whole list of jobs. It’s a great way to teach pre-vocational skills, build independence and learn different types of life skills within their routines.
Don’t forget to teach each task with visuals and task analysis. Each task involved multiple steps and much to remember. Start with maximum support with visuals and gradually fade out the support level as the child masters each step.
I see a big grin on a child’s face today after he finished cleaning the classroom microwave. It is a routine-based task, so they are comfortable with these tasks by now. Feeling responsible and being part of the classroom community give them a great sense of pride.
Everyday Teaching Autism Resources 
Leave a comment