Fostering Independence

I have been focusing on helping Eliza to become more independent. Lately, it seems that she really wants to start doing things on her own. She discovered that she can turn the water on and off in the tub, take off and put on her own clothes, and open various doors, containers & cabinets. Pete questioned me on why I encourage her to do so much independently. He loves to play devil's advocate. His argument is that she is a kid and should be a kid. I totally agree with his statement. However,I think that kids are very capable and should be encouraged to do as much as they can independently. I don't think they should be forced to do things, but if they desire to do something it should be an option. I would never say to Eliza that she couldn't do something because she was too little- unless of course I felt it was dangerous. I believe that kids feel proud when they can do something without help. I also think they also really love to help out and imitate what they see adults doing.

* I told my husband he is just lazy. (which he really isn't!) Honestly, it is harder to be patient and let kids do things on their own. It is easier to just do it yourself-but they really don't learn anything that way.

Things we have been working on...

Drinking out of a Glass
I have been helping Eliza to drink out of a glass and not a sippy cup. She still gets her sippy, but she also has a glass available to her at meals. It is a very tiny glass that is E sized and perfect for a toddler's small hands. Has she spilled her drink? You betcha! A few time she spilled the contents of the glass down her shirt. She has quickly learned how NOT to spill it when drinking. She holds it with two hands and takes tiny sips. Sometimes she dips her hand in the water. I guess she can't resist! She also dunked her cookie in the water. A future Oreo dunker?

Cleaning!
When I taught K the kids loved, loved., loved to clean. They would sweep at the drop of a hat. They also wanted to use the real sweeper and NOT the fake toy sweeper. They loved to wipe down the tables after messy craft activities. They showed more excitement about cleaning then about any other classroom activity I did. Eliza is also learning to help take care of our house. She has a little pink microfiber dust cloth she uses for dusting, a tiny little broom for sweeping and her own cellulose sponges to use for dish washing. Most recently we bought a carpet sweeper thingy that adjusts to E's size. Here she is in action! Go, E, Go!

Setting the Table
Eliza sets her table for each meal. She uses the placement to help with her setting. She knows the names for everything and she also knows the ASL signs. All of the materials are available to her in a low cabinet. The reason she looks miserable is because she is sitting with a set table and I am taking pictures and not dishing out her lunch. She is very serious about eating.

Here is her cabinet.

and that is all for know because I need to go make some turkey meatballs before little miss sunshine wakes up from her nap!