Little Moments, Big Confidence

One of the goals of Saklan’s Early Childhood program is to help children build confidence and independence throughout their day. At age three, children are developmentally ready to begin taking on small responsibilities, and everyday routines provide meaningful opportunities to practice these emerging skills.

In the Owlet and Hoot Owl classrooms, teachers encourage children to take responsibility for their belongings and participate in their daily routines. This might look like carrying their own backpacks, putting their belongings away in their cubbies, or getting their lunches out independently.

Teachers also encourage children to practice other everyday skills, such as putting on and taking off their jackets, putting their shoes back on, and placing their lunchboxes inside their backpacks.

These may seem like small tasks, and sometimes it can feel easier or faster for an adult to do them. But for young children, these moments are important opportunities to learn.

Building Skills Through Everyday Routines

As children practice these routines, they are developing much more than independence. They are building:

• Confidence as they experience the satisfaction of accomplishing something on their own
• Responsibility as they learn to care for their belongings
• Problem-solving skills as they figure out how to complete a task
• Coordination and fine-motor skills through everyday movements and routines
• Perseverance as they keep trying when something feels challenging

Most importantly, children begin to develop a growing sense of “I can do it!”

That feeling of capability is powerful. When children are given the time, encouragement, and space to try things for themselves, they begin to see themselves as capable and confident learners.

At Saklan, we know that meaningful learning happens in both the big moments and the small ones. Sometimes, putting a lunchbox in a backpack is more than just putting away a lunchbox; it’s a chance for a child to practice independence, solve a problem, and discover that they are capable of doing something all on their own.