Strategies to Encourage Independence and Chores at Home

 Social Story: I Listen Hard at School, and I Help at Home

* My name is _________________. I am ______years old.

 * I go to school every day, and I listen a lot with my cochlear implant. My ears work very hard all day. Sometimes after school, I feel tired. That is okay.

* When I get home, I can take a short rest and have a snack. This helps me feel better.

* After my short rest, it is time to help my family.

 

Everyone in our house helps. Helping makes our home nice and makes me feel strong and proud.

I can do many things by myself!

I CAN: • Put my backpack and lunchbox away • Set the table and clear my plate • Put my dirty clothes in the hamper.

   

 Sometimes I feel tired and say, “Can you do it for me?” When I say that, one of the ladies at home must do my job instead of me. That is not fair to them.

 I can use my good words instead. I can say: “I listened hard today and I feel tired. I need a short break. Then I will help.”

When I help my family, everyone feels happy.

I feel happy too because I am being responsible.

I am a good listener at school. I am a helpful boy at home. I am proud of myself!

Social Story: I Can Do It Myself – I Am Getting Stronger

 

* My name is _______________. I live with three nice ladies who love me very much. They take good care of me.

*  Sometimes I ask them to do things for me even when I can do them myself. I say I am too tired.

*  School makes my ears work hard with my cochlear implant. It is okay to feel tired. But I am 8 years old and I can do many things by myself.

* My jobs at home are important.

When I do my jobs, I help the whole family. It makes me feel grown-up and strong.

* After school I can:

1. Take a short rest and snack (about 10–15 minutes)
2. Do my jobs
3. Then have free time to play

*If I feel tired, I can say, “I need a short break first. Then I will do my job.”

* I am petite, but I am strong inside. I can do hard things. I am learning to be more independent every day. I am proud when I help my family!

  

_______________’s After-School Routine

1. Get home – Take off my shoes and put my backpack in its place. 
   
   
2. Short rest – Have a snack and rest quietly for 10–15 minutes. 
   
   
   
   
3. My jobs – Help my family:
• Put my backpack and lunchbox away  
• Set the table or clear my plate after eating  
• Put my dirty clothes in the hamper  
4. Check my cochlear implant – Make sure it is working well.
5. Free time – Play, read, or do something fun after my jobs are done.  

✓ Check off each step when finished!

Helpful Words I Can Say

• “I need a short break because my ears worked hard today.”
• “I will do it after my rest.”
• “I can try it myself.”

Daily Helper Jobs Checklist

_________________’s Helper Jobs Today’s Date: ___________________

• Put my backpack and lunchbox away  
• Help set or clear the table                    
• Put my dirty clothes in the hamper     

 

 

• One more job: ________________________

When I finish all my jobs, I feel proud! Great job, _________________!