Laundry 101 Station

Time: 30 minutes
Objective: Students will learn to sort laundry by color and fabric, measure and add detergent correctly, select the appropriate wash cycle, and fold laundered items neatly to promote independent clothing care.

Materials Needed

• Laundry baskets labeled Lights, Darks, and Delicates
• Sample clothing items (e.g., cotton shirts, towels, socks)
• Liquid detergent or detergent pods
• Measuring cup and spoons
• Fabric settings chart
• Washing machine (real or mock control panel)
• Timer or stopwatch
• Cloth or flat surface for folding practice
• Independence Skills Checklist

Setup (5 min)

• Arrange sorting baskets and sample clothes on one table.
• Position the washing machine unit or model next to the sorting area.
• Have detergent, measuring tools, and the fabric chart within easy reach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sorting Clothes (5 min)

   • Lay out all clothing samples on the table.
   • Sort items into Lights, Darks, and Delicates using the baskets and chart.
     Prompt: Why is sorting laundry by color and fabric important?
     
     
     

2. Measuring Detergent (5 min)

   • Decide between liquid detergent or a pod.
   • Use the measuring cup or follow pod instructions to add the correct amount.
     Prompt: How much detergent did you use, and how did you know it was the right amount?
     
     
     

3. Loading & Selecting Cycle (10 min)

   • Place sorted clothes into the washer and close the door.
   • Refer to the fabric chart to choose cycle and water temperature.
   • Press Start.
     Prompt: Which cycle and temperature did you select, and why?
     
     
     

4. Unloading & Folding (10 min)

   • Once the cycle ends, remove clothes from the washer/dryer.
   • Watch a demonstration on folding a T-shirt, a towel, and a pair of socks.
   • Practice folding your items neatly on the flat surface.
     Prompt: Which item was easiest to fold and which was hardest?
     
     
     

Differentiation & Supports

• Provide visual cue cards with pictures of each step for students who need extra guidance.
• Challenge advanced learners to calculate detergent based on different load sizes (e.g., half-load vs. full-load).
• Pair students strategically so stronger learners support peers through peer tutoring.

Cleanup (2 min)

• Return all sample clothing to their baskets.
• Wipe down the station surface.
• Reset the washer controls for the next group.

Reflection Questions (to discuss or jot down)

1. What step did you find most challenging, and why?
   
   
   
2. How confident do you feel about doing laundry on your own at home?
   
   
   

Simple Meal Prep Station

Time: 30 minutes
Objective: Students will practice washing hands and workspace, measuring and preparing ingredients for a simple fruit salad, use safe knife techniques, assemble portions, and clean up to develop basic meal-preparation skills.

Materials Needed

• Plastic cutting boards and plastic knives
• Assorted fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, grapes)
• Mixing bowls and wooden spoons
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small serving cups or bowls
• Recipe cards with step-by-step visuals
• Paper towels and spray cleaner
• Independence Skills Checklist

Setup (5 min)

• Wipe down tables and lay out cutting boards and knives.
• Place fruit, bowls, and measuring tools within reach.
• Distribute recipe cards to each student pair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Handwashing & Workspace Prep (5 min)

   • Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds.
   • Wipe and sanitize your cutting board and table area.
     Prompt: Which handwashing steps are most important and why?
     
     
     

2. Measuring & Sorting Ingredients (5 min)

   • Measure out ½ cup of grapes and 1 cup total of chopped apple and banana each.
   • Sort and place in separate bowls before mixing.
     Prompt: How did you know when you had the right amount of each fruit?
     
     
     

3. Knife Safety & Chopping (10 min)

   • Using a plastic knife, cut apples into bite-sized pieces and slice the banana.
   • Keep fingers tucked and work slowly.
     Prompt: What safety rule did you follow when holding the knife?
     
     
     

4. Mixing & Portioning (5 min)

   • Gently stir all fruit together in the mixing bowl.
   • Scoop equal portions into the small serving cups.
     Prompt: What did you notice about the color and texture when the fruits were combined?
     
     
     

5. Cleanup (5 min)

   • Rinse and stack cutting boards and knives.
   • Spray and wipe down tables, then wash hands again.
     Prompt: Why is it important to clean up immediately after cooking?
     
     
     

Differentiation & Supports

• Provide picture-supported recipe cards and color-coded measuring cups for learners needing extra visuals.
• Offer pre-chopped fruit for students working on knife-skill phobia, then gradually phase in self-chopping.
• Challenge advanced students to adjust ingredient ratios to serve different numbers of people or add a yogurt drizzle.

Reflection Questions (to discuss or jot down)

1. Which step was most fun or interesting, and why?
   
   
   
2. Which step felt challenging, and what would help you improve next time?
   
   
   

Independence Skills Checklist

Use this checklist to assess each student’s proficiency and independence in daily living tasks during the Life Skills Toolkit session. For each skill, circle or highlight the level that best describes the student’s performance.

Scoring Scale:
4 – Independent: Completes the skill accurately without support.
3 – Proficient: Completes the skill with minimal prompts.
2 – Emerging: Completes the skill with moderate support.
1 – Needs Support: Requires full guidance to complete the skill.

Laundry Skills

Meal Prep Skills

Self-Reflection & Independence

Instructions for Use:

• During each station rotation, observe and record each student’s level for the relevant criteria.
• After rotations, review the checklist with students to celebrate successes and identify goals.
• Use this data to inform future instruction and individualized supports.

Related Materials:

• Daily Living Stations Guide
• Laundry 101 Station
• Simple Meal Prep Station
• Skill Radar Survey

Skill Radar Survey

Purpose: Rate your current confidence in key daily living skills. This helps you and your instructor see where you feel strong and where you want more practice.

Instructions: For each skill below, circle the number (1–5) that best matches your confidence today.

Scoring Scale: 1 = Not Confident at All 2 = A Little Confident 3 = Somewhat Confident 4 = Confident 5 = Very Confident

Quick Reflection

1. Which skill did you rate highest? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Which skill did you rate lowest? What makes it challenging?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one goal you have for today’s session?