Looking for Practical Life Activities?

Toddlers and pre-schoolers get into everything and want to be involved in what we are doing, right?! These practical life activities engage young children and help get things done all at once.

Dishwasher Practical Life Activities

I always conduct a safety check and put away anything sharp (remember graters, too) or fragile (like wine glasses) first. I tend to do this with them and handle the items that are stored up high or that I'd rather they didn't touch. 

Toddlers have placed plastic cups and small containers on the top rack with me. I don't know about you, but I'm particular about how a dishwasher is stacked. If you're not as picky as I am, they could help load it, too. 

The Coat Flip Hack Practical Life Activities

This is taught in Montessori schools and has been popular with the young children I care for. I have taught this self-care hack to 1, 2, and 3-year-olds. 

It's important that the little one is steady on their feet and that the coat's collar or hood is facing them. Lay the open coat down flat, with the sleeve holes visible and the hood next to the child's feet. Have them stand facing the hood and bend over , putting their hands in the sleeves. Tell them to keep their arms straight and lift their arms with the coat up and over their head, then down to their sides. 

It helps to demonstrate how to do it with your arms and perhaps your coat in the beginning. The first few times, place the coat down and be ready to nudge the sleeve back onto the little one's hands as they fling it over their head. 

If they practice daily, before long, they will be able to lay it out correctly and put it on independently. I start the zipper for them and teach toddlers how to hold the zipper down while zipping up the rest. 

This hack can be used to put on any layer that opens fully at the front. Just be careful they don't put them on upside down. However, it does help to avoid fights about putting warm layers on.

Emptying Dryer Lint Practical Life Activities

Everyday practical life activities can keep a young child busy while we do laundry, providing one less task for us to manage.

Taking Out the Recycling Practical Life Activities

Whether they can help depends on your trash disposal routine. I find that toddlers love to feel strong as they carry an impressive-looking load that is not too heavy for them. I tend to carry the trash bag alongside them. 

Cleaning Practical Life Activities

I have found that toddlers naturally gravitate towards practical life activities. I have allowed many toddlers I've cared for to help themselves to a wipe and start cleaning random things. Maybe it's because I'm a fan of using baby wipes to clean up all sorts of items, like the new baskets shown above. A cloth or sponge damp with water are more eco-friendly options though.

Putting Away Laundry Practical Life Activities

Activities with toddlers can be simple and involve them in what we need to do. Toddlers have successfully put a pile of folded clothes onto family members' beds, low drawers, and shelves. Activities with a 3-year-old could include introducing them to simple folding.

Watering Plants Practical Life Activities

Easy practical life activities can be as simple as watering house plants or pots in the yard.

Washing Dishes Practical Life Activities

Young children love to stand on a learning tower, chair, or stool at the kitchen sink to help wash dishes. I always do a safety check by washing and drying any sharp or fragile items before they get a chance to assist . A silicone sink mat can be helpful.

I've found that removing the dish soap and hand soap can prevent waste. A cloth can quickly create a puddle because they don't have adequate wringing - out skills. It's reached the point where the toddler climbs up and hands me some of the things I just mentioned for me to place out of reach. I start washing the dishes and leave the rinsing to them. I always make sure the water is not running too fast for more than a moment. 

 However, I have accomplished a lot while a toddler has been busy at the sink. Obviously, they do need supervision. I found they love to clean up after sensory play or painting too.

Helping to Sweep Practical Life Activities

I have found that toddlers love to sweep. They often help to clean up after dry Sensory Play with me. 

Click through for more inspiring Activities for 2-Year-Olds or Activities for 3-Year-Olds.