Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Physical & Motor 8 › Sensory 8 › Executive 7 › Cognitive 6 › Language 5 › Communication 5 › Emotional 5 › Social 6 › Self-Care 7 › Literacy 4 › Math 5 › Creative & Artistic 5 › World & Science 5 ›
by Robert Pankowecki
Self-Care & Adaptive Skills

Daily living skills that support independence, personal care, and taking responsibility for oneself and one's environment.

Sources (6)
  • Montessori (Practical Life)
  • OT Practice Framework (ADLs)
  • ASQ-3 (Personal-Social)
  • IEP Domains (Adaptive)
  • CDC/AAP Milestones
  • Waldorf/Steiner
7 Subdomains
Dressing › Feeding & Mealtime › Hygiene & Grooming › Toileting › Personal Responsibility & Routines › Safety Awareness › Care of Environment ›
Feeding & Mealtime

Independent eating, using utensils, preparing simple foods, and mealtime routines.

Examples & Achievements

  • Uses fork and spoon effectively, beginning to use a knife for spreading
  • Pours from a small pitcher into a cup
  • Opens lunch containers and packaging
  • Clears own place after eating
  • Prepares simple snacks (spreading butter, peeling a banana)

How to Measure

  • Eats a full meal using utensils with minimal spilling
  • Pours liquid from a pitcher into a cup without spilling
  • Opens 3+ types of food packaging independently
  • Clears own dishes after a meal (observed)
Sources (3)
  • Montessori
  • OT Practice Framework
  • CDC/AAP

Childhood Map › Self-Care & Adaptive Skills

Feeding & Mealtime

Independent eating, using utensils, preparing simple foods, and mealtime routines.

Examples & Achievements

How to Measure

Sources