Kids need independent skills to navigate the Kindergarten classroom. Being able to take care of yourself at school makes a child feel more confident and leads to success.
Last year I shared the 3 Independent Skills Your Child Needs for Kindergarten and this year I’m going to share a fun way to practice them–with an obstacle course!
Independent Skills Practice Game
- backpack
- lunch box with drink cup and other containers
- folder or notebook
- pencil
- pencil sharpener
- jacket with zipper
I gathered all of our supplies before I told the kids what we would be doing. It was before snack time so I put a drink and snack in their lunch boxes.
I put the lunchboxes and a notebook in their backpacks and left them by the front door. I set out a basket for the notebooks and put a pencil at the table along with their jackets.
They started at the front door with their backpacks on and had to complete a series of obstacles to get to the end.
Independent Skills Obstacle Course
- Unpack backpack
- Hang up backpack
- Put the notebook in the basket
- Put the lunchbox on the table
- Sharpen a pencil
- Unpack lunchbox
- Open snacks
- Put on jacket
You can swap out any of the obstacles we did for any that you want your child to have extra practice with. Just remember while they are learning the skills the obstacle course shouldn’t be a race. The focus should be on practicing the skills not finishing first.
Kindergarten Independent Skills Practiced
- Taking care of your belongings
- Putting on and zippering your coat
- Opening all the items in your lunchbox
Going through the obstacle course was a great way to practice independent skills while having fun!
For even more information and ideas about the independent skills kids need for Kindergarten check out what the other Get Ready for K Through PLAY! hosts are sharing!
- Inside Out, Back to Front, Wrong Foot from Rainy Day Mum
- Getting Ready for Kindergarten by Nurturing Independence by Mama Smiles
- Transitions to Independence for Kids by Mess for Less
And catch up on last week’s Get Ready for Kindergarten by Playing School post for a FUN way to work on social and emotional skills skills!
Next week we’ll all be back sharing activities to develop the math skills needed for Kindergarten!
In the meantime be sure to follow our Get Ready for K Through PLAY! Pinterest Board for a huge collection of Kindergarten readiness activities!
I think even homeschooling children might enjoy this game – especially if there is a snack 🙂
That is SUCH a good point! These are skills kids need to know regardless of where they learn–and a snack at the end definitely makes it more fun!
What a great idea Megan – will be trying this with my kids as even T who will be starting preschool will need some of these skills there.
My preschooler is still working on her coat so I’m glad she thought it was fun to play!!!
What a fun game to prepare kids for the routine of going to school.
I love these activities! Training them to be independent and know how to fix their own stuff is really helpful.