Why Teach Chores

​Students who are blind or visually impaired may not easily observe how others complete routine chores. Sighted students often learn these tasks by watching family members or teachers maintain their environments. Without these visual experiences, students may need explicit instruction and guided practice. Teaching students to complete chores helps them:
  • Develop responsibility and independence
  • Learn to care for personal belongings and shared spaces
  • Practice organization and task completion
  • Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Build confidence in managing everyday routines
These skills support independence at home, at school, and in future living environments.

Examples of Home and School Chores

Chores may vary depending on the student’s age and abilities, but common responsibilities may include:
  • Cleaning desks, tables, or work areas
  • Organizing school materials or supplies
  • Putting away personal belongings
  • Wiping counters or surfaces
  • Sorting laundry or folding clothes
  • Setting or clearing tables
  • Sweeping or picking up small items from the floor
  • Organizing classroom or household materials
Participating in these activities helps students learn how to maintain their surroundings.

​Instructional Strategies

  • Break Tasks into Clear Steps. Many chores involve several actions. Teaching tasks in simple steps helps students understand what to do and how to complete the task successfully.
  • Teach Systematic Work Patterns. Encourage students to work in a consistent pattern when cleaning or organizing areas. For example, wiping a table from one side to the other helps ensure the entire surface is cleaned.
  • Teach Organization Systems. Students benefit from consistent locations for materials and belongings. Knowing where items belong helps students complete chores more independently.
  • Provide Hands-On Practice. Students should have frequent opportunities to practice chores during natural routines at home and school.
  • Use Hand-Under-Hand Instruction. Hand-under-hand guidance allows students to feel how tasks are performed while maintaining control of their own movements. This approach supports active learning and independence.
  • Encourage Responsibility. Assigning regular responsibilities helps students develop routines and take ownership of their tasks.
  • Provide Positive Feedback. Acknowledging successful task completion helps motivate students and reinforces skill development.

​Safety Considerations

​Safety should always be emphasized when teaching chores. Students should learn to:
  • Use cleaning tools appropriately
  • Keep walkways clear of obstacles
  • Handle cleaning materials carefully
  • Report spills or hazards when they occur
  • Return tools and supplies to their proper location after use
These habits help students maintain safe and organized environments.

​Creating Learning Opportunities

Chores can be incorporated into many daily routines. Examples include:
  • Cleaning work areas after classroom activities
  • Organizing materials at the end of the school day
  • Completing simple household tasks at home
  • Participating in classroom responsibilities such as passing out materials or tidying shared spaces
Frequent opportunities to complete chores help students develop independence and confidence.
​Completing home and school chores is an important skill that helps students learn responsibility and independence. With direct instruction and regular practice, students who are blind or visually impaired can learn to organize their environment, care for shared spaces, and complete daily tasks successfully. Developing these skills helps prepare students for greater independence in school, home, and community settings.

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