Step 6
Are we building independence… or just acting as the class cloakroom assistant?
The bag is packed, but not by them. Their shoes are on, but wrong feet. They have no clue what’s in their lunchbox. It’s time to hand it over.
What can we do?
Daily bag check rituals - “What’s in your bag today?”
Practise ownership - coats, bottles, hats - label it and make them find it.
Mini routines for self-care - “Check your water bottle’s full” = independence gold.
Encourage pride - “You remembered your jumper!”
Let it go wrong (safely) - forgetting one thing once is how they learn.
Reflection Prompts
Are we teaching children how to manage their belongings - or just moaning when they don’t?
Do children recognise their own things, or are we still playing Guess the Water Bottle?
Have we made space for responsibility… or rushed it because we’re late for snack again?
Activities to Try
Bag Practice Station: Set up a mini peg area where children practise hanging, zipping, and checking their bags - daily.
Label Detectives: Turn finding names on items into a daily game - applause for the fastest spotters
Responsibility Routines: Add songs or chants to coat-on/shoe-off moments to help embed independence with a bit of fun.