LIVING SKILLS: A CHECK LIST OF IMPORTANT SKILLS FOR THOSE GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL

Cooking:

1. Understands basic food storage (freezer food, refrigerated food, leftovers, etc.) and food safety (what food feels and smells like when rotten; how long food keeps)

2. Can open a variety of packages (frozen dinners, bread, cheese, condiments, cereal, milk, etc.)

3. Uses a can opener or opens pop top type cans

4. Can seal and unseal zip-lock bags

5. Stirs effectively

6. Pours liquids without spilling (cold and hot)

7. Can perform basic microwave functions (enter time, start, cancel/stop)

8. Spreads soft foods (jam, margarine, mayonnaise/mustard, etc.)

9. Knows the value of using a spill tray when preparing food (a cookie sheet will work)

10. Knows where kitchen items are stored (such as utensils, spatula, pans, plates, etc.)

11. Knows the names of pans and their uses (cookie sheet, loaf pan, brownie pan, etc.)

12. Understands a balanced diet

13. Prepares breakfast from start to finish on a regular basis (pours cereal & milk, etc.)

14. Prepares own lunch on a regular basis (can be prepared the night before or weekend lunches)

15. Sets the table

16. Has good table manners and eats using two utensils to avoid using fingers at the table

17. Clears table and checks for spills around the eating area

18. Has exposure to grocery shopping (see LSC grocery store curriculum)

Cleaning:

1. Cleans surfaces

2. Washes dishes (has a method of using the appropriate amount of soap)

3. Has knowledge of  basic cleaning products and their use

4. Puts a trash bag in the garbage can; removes and ties the bag for disposal

5. Makes bed daily

6. Keeps bedroom organized and tidy

7. Performs regular household chores

Care of clothing:

1. Knows his/her own clothing and shoes sizes

2. Has shopped for his/her own clothing with a friend or using customer service

3. Is aware of peer groups’ clothing styles and fashion statements

4. Is aware of his/her own taste in clothes

5. Can separate light clothing from dark clothing for washing

6. Has used a washer and dryer

7. Can hang clothes on a hanger

8. Folds clothing

9. Puts clothing in the appropriate place

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