Being Independent

Life Skills

Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Learning Objectives
  1. Understand what it means to be independent
  2. Recognize everyday tasks children can do on their own
  3. Learn how to make simple decisions with confidence
  4. Practice problem-solving strategies when things don’t go as planned
  5. Understand when to try first and when to ask for help
  6. Use tools like checklists or picture charts to support independence
  7. Build confidence and pride through independent actions

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.6 – Express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6 – Use words and phrases to describe actions and routines

Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in conversations with peers and adults
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.4 – Describe people, places, and events with relevant details
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.6 – Use words and phrases to talk about personal actions and decisions

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4 – Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate detail
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.6 – Use words and phrases that describe routines, responsibilities, and emotions

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.4 – Report on a topic with appropriate facts and examples
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.6 – Use precise vocabulary to describe actions and personal growth

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Participate in effective group discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.4 – Present ideas clearly with organized details
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.6 – Use vocabulary to describe problem-solving and decision-making

Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Engage in discussions, building on others’ ideas
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.4 – Report on a topic or experience in a clear, concise way
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.6 – Use grade-appropriate vocabulary to describe self-reliance and independence

Grade 6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 – Participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4 – Present ideas clearly and logically
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.6 – Use general academic and domain-specific vocabulary

Grade 7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions respectfully
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4 – Present claims and ideas clearly with relevant examples
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.6 – Use vocabulary to express independence and responsibility

Grade 8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 – Initiate and participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4 – Present well-organized ideas with clear reasoning
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.6 – Use precise language to describe personal growth and decision-making

  • The student will name at least three tasks they can do independently (e.g., brushing teeth, getting dressed) in 4 out of 5 structured trials by [date].
  • The student will identify one decision they can make on their own during a discussion or role-play in 3 out of 4 opportunities by [date].
  • The student will describe one strategy they can use when a problem occurs (e.g., use a checklist, clean up a spill) in 4 out of 5 trials by [date].
  • The student will explain the difference between trying first and asking for help in 3 out of 4 guided sessions by [date].
  • The student will complete a two-step task independently using a checklist or visual support in 4 out of 5 structured activities by [date].
  • The student will reflect on how being independent makes them feel by completing a sentence prompt or verbal response in 3 out of 4 sessions by [date].

Related Companion Activity

Being Independent