Independence in Prekindergarten

Students are expected to become more independent and self-sufficient in Prekindergarten.  In our classroom, this means having and executing a classroom job, cleaning up after yourself, taking care of your own personal belongings, toileting independently and feeding oneself.  The children are expected to pour their own liquid at snack time, eat with a spoon or fork, spread soft foods such as cream cheese or peanut butter and cut soft foods with the edge of a fork or a knife.  The children also serve themselves family style.  This encourages asking for what one wants or needs from a peer.  So many skills are developed during snack and meal time. 
As an aside, children are also encouraged to pack and unpack their backpacks, don their coats, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens.  Gloves for little ones can be difficult, best to send in mittens!