Establish the skills the student is independent with regarding laundry, i.e. puts dirty laundry in basket; recognizes when clothes are dirty and require cleaning.
Using a visual picture/photographs or written checklist for laundry tasks will be helpful. Begin with one or two tasks that are expected by the student.
Having the checklist personalized around the student’s clothing provides a real purpose to the task.
Direct instruction for operating any laundry machines is critical. Initially the student may begin with folding tasks, i.e. towels. As the student becomes proficient, further tasks are added, i.e. putting laundry into washing machine, or sorting laundry into piles for washing.
Educator Considerations
Determine if the school has an area for collecting dirty laundry and has laundry facilities.
The school follows the similar structure as being used at home. Establish the skills the student is independent with regarding laundry. Use the same visual or written checklist as the home.
If the student is completing laundry tasks at home, see if there are opportunities in the school to mirror the tasks of doing laundry.
Completing laundry tasks for school teams will provide a meaningful opportunity for the student and gives them a role to become part of a school team.
Have conversations about cleanliness and laundry, use pictures/photographs to help student visualize items and process for laundry tasks.
