The List

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.)