I am smart enough now to know that each of my children is different and masters concepts on his or her own timetable, but I like the idea of breaking it up into years so that I know when to start teaching a skill. Plus, this way I won't forget to teach them something that might turn out to be really important later.
So, at these ages they will learn:
Three years old
Get dressed by yourself
Start brushing teeth by yourself
pick up your own toys
say your own prayers
begin earning dad dollars
plant, weed and water personal garden
Start doing dinner chores (set table, take plate to sink)
letters and numbers 1-10
Start swimming lessons each summer until completion
Four years old
How to brush teeth independently
Make your own bed
Make your own breakfast
Make sandwiches
Begin cleaning your own room
Dinner Chores (wipe down table and chairs)
How to write name and know the sounds that letters make.
Learn about stranger danger and being safe
Clean self after using toilet independently
Numbers 1-100
Five years old
Set summer and school year goals
Clean room independently
Learn how to use the vacuum
Empty little garbage cans
learn about time, use timer and a plan to get ready for school on time.
Dinner chores (rinse off dishes, unload dishwasher)
start playing soccer
Memorize phone number and address
learn how to read simple books
learn how to play catch with different kinds of balls
Six years old
Take a shower independently
dust
learn how to clean sinks and counter tops
learn how to clean mirrors and windows
work microwave
Make and answer phone calls
learn how to wash dishes by hand
Practice playing catch with different kinds of balls once a week
Know how to make your own lunch
Seven years old
Arrange own play dates
Floss teeth independently
clean toilets
mop floors
learn how to hit a baseball
Brush tangles out of hair
vacuum car
Learn how to play checkers
Practice playing catch with different kinds of balls once a week
Eight years old
Dinner chores (load dishwasher)
learn how to dribble and shoot a basketball
learn how to use a hammer and nails in fairly thick wood
cut homemade bread
use an apple cutter
use a vegetable peeler
use a can opener, safely open pop-top cans
learn how to safely use a pocket knife
First facts of life talk with mom and dad
learn how harmful drugs and alcohol affect your body
wake up by yourself in the morning (alarm clock)
Start saving and paying tithing
get baptized
care for a pet
read scriptures
Wash car
Learn how to play chess
Nine years old
Start a recipe box
Try any new active sport that you think you may be interested in.
(stop playing soccer if you want)
learn how to read notes and find keys on a piano
clean pictures
Bake cakes or cupcakes from a box
Bake 2 types of cookies
Bake 2 types of quick breads
Make cream cheese frosting
wash car windows at gas station
fill car with gas
cook rice
cook pasta
cook vegetables
Write and send letters
have an e-mail account
Sew on buttons
simple mending with needle and thread
learn how to hit a ball with a racket (tennis/bad-mitten or ping pong)
Ten years old
chop vegetables
make salad
Puberty/hygiene talk
start learning a musical instrument
Maintain a personal journal
Clean stove top
Clean oven
clean cupboards
Straighten drawers
Straighten closets
Use a leaf blower
know how to use a cell phone
Know articles of faith
Keep a personal calendar
learn how to sew pajama pants
Mix dry milk
Learn how to do your own hair
Decide on one sport or physical activity to undertake through the year
Eleven Years old
Decide on one sport or physical activity to undertake through the year
Arrange for own haircuts
clean refrigerator
Sew hems
Bake pies
Bake bread
Make several main dishes
Iron own clothes
Use a camera
Learn to crochet or knit
Participate in first aid training
Take a baby-sitting class
Learn how to do laundry
Twelve years old
Decide on one sport or physical activity to undertake through the year
know how to take care of self during common illnesses (medicine safety)
give lesson in family home evening about good nutrition
Understand how media uses photo manipulation and advertisements.
Understand what it means to have a healthy body image and respect for others.
Type without looking
Learn and practice internet social network safety
Shop for clothing with a budget
Have basic fashion awareness
Plan wardrobe
Learn how to find good books to read by reading reviews and reserving books at library.
Read the news with mom and dad and understand how to deal with info in a positive way.
Speak in public
Make and keep dentist appointment
Make and keep doctor appointment
Understand basic filing on computer and with important papers
Use common computer programs
Learn how to safely use power tools
Order something by internet
Read entire book of Mormon
Attend Priesthood or Young Women activities
Basic car maintenance
Paint and decorate room with a set budget
Baby-sit
Start saving and preparing for mission/college
Thirteen years old
Mow lawn
Edge lawn
Plan a party
know how to handle and cook meat
Plan meals
Have own recipe files
Shop for groceries with a budget
Certify for CPR
Make a piece of furniture with wood and power tools (with help)
learn about shaving and makeup
Learn etiquette rules
clean garage
Pick out material and a pattern of your choice and sew a piece of clothing
Learn methods for de-junking and saving important things
Learn how to bottle or freeze garden harvest
Make freezer jam
Hang shelf on a wall using studs and drill
Organize a family service project
Decide on one sport or physical activity to undertake through the year
Fourteen and fifteen
Decide on one sport or physical activity to undertake through each year
Use ATM
Learn how to write a check
Get food handlers permit
Understand food storage basics
Memorize social security number
Make a budget
Understand and use debit card
Learn interest and debt
sell items on internet
Learn basic civics and politics
Accompany parent to vote
Perform thorough car detailing
Change flat tire
Jump start a car
Understand basics of car operation and how to use a car manual.
Make a quilt
Learn how to find a job, apply for it and practice interviewing
write a resume
Get a summer job
Open a checking account
Go on mock date with mom or dad each year and learn about dating etiquette
Take a social dance class
Sixteen and Seventeen
Get driver's license
Understand credit cards
Learn retirement plan
Resume mission preparation (Johnny)
Understand how to advertise
Start career planning
Start checking out colleges and apply for them
Perform household repairs
Assist in purchase of car (or mock purchase of car)
File tax return
Deal with auto mechanic
Learn how to unclog a drain
Install a light fixture
learn how to maintain a sprinkler system
learn about utility payments
Decide on one sport or physical activity to undertake through each year
Have and take care of basic cellphone (learn set-up, customer service, payments, etc.)