The Flipping Coat Trick
Today, you can help your child master the skill of putting on a coat with the "Firefighter Flip.” This playful yet practical approach to dressing helps early learners develop the coordination and independence they'll need in kindergarten and beyond.
Plus, it’s a great way to make getting dressed less of a chore and a lot more fun!
A simple sequence of steps is key to teaching young children new skills. Break each task into smaller steps so that your child can focus on one step at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
So let's get started! Place your child's coat on the floor with the back side of the coat facing down. Then talk your child through the following steps:
- Say: "Stand behind the jacket with your toes to the tag.”
- Then say: "Bend down and slip your hands and arms into the armholes."
- Now say: "Flip the coat over your head and push your arms all the way through the sleeves of the jacket."
The expressions on your child's face when the jacket slips into place for the first time will be priceless. In rapid succession, you'll see a look of surprise and amazement followed by the giant smile that is a sure sign of your child's surge of newfound confidence!
When children learn to dress themselves, they're also learning how to listen, follow instructions, and follow a sequence of steps to achieve a goal—skills that will help them in every part of their lives.
Dressing skills are an important part of school readiness. Before starting school, children should be able to do most dressing independently
When you encourage your child to practice self-care, you are laying the foundation for more complex planning and problem-solving in the years to come.
The Firefighter Flip is always a hit with the under-five set—although toddlers may need a little more practice than preschoolers.
If your child is struggling, try practicing with a larger coat. Then repeat the sequence a few times to help your child master the basics of this act of independence.
If you like, grab your own coat and practice the flip alongside your little one. You'll increase the fun factor while modeling the sequence that your child will need to follow to master this important skill.