Many children need support when learning new skills. Breaking a skill down into smaller steps can help a child learn one step at a time. The number of steps a skill or task is broken into depends on the needs of your child.

You may want to provide your child with a visual sequence. This is basically a series of pictures showing the steps that are necessary to complete a task. You can use real photos, line drawings, or picture symbols. When using a visual sequence, post it at your child’s eye level, point to the picture, and read the step out loud before completing the action. You can also use the pictures to create a sequencing game of your own. Simply print the pictures, cut them out, and have your child practise putting the steps in order. You can also create a matching game by making two copies of the sequence. Glue one copy to a piece of construction paper in the correct order and have your child use the other set to match the cards.

Teach your child to wash his hands after he uses the washroom, before and after eating, and after messy activities. The washroom at your child’s school or child care will be different from the one he is used to at home. You may have to show him how to use the soap dispenser and hand dryer. If the washroom at your child’s school uses paper towels, remind him to put them in the garbage when he is finished drying his hands.

Here’s an example of a ‘washing hands’ sequence