Learning to Button
Here's What To Do
1
Encourage me to practice buttoning large buttons (about 1" in diameter).
2
If I'm wearing clothing with large front buttons, help me practice on my own clothes. Teach me to start buttoning from the bottom, so I'll match the button to the correct buttonhole.
3
I can also practice on doll clothing, or you can make me a practice button. Sew a large button onto fabric, leaving about a half inch between the button and clothing. Cut a buttonhole slightly bigger than the button.
4
Let me practice large buttons whenever available.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Do a rainbow breath- breathe in and reach up to the sky, breathe out and move your arms down in rainbow arcs.
E
Engage:
- "Can you button Dolly's shirt?"
- "Start buttoning your sweater from the bottom. Match the button on the bottom with the hole on the bottom. Then do the next one up."
E
Encourage:
- While I'm learning, slip the buttons halfway through the buttonhole and let me complete the job.
- If I am frustrated, remind me that doing buttons is a tricky thing and my brain is getting stronger by practicing.
R
Reflect:
- What else do I need to know before I can dress myself independently?
Not quite ready?
Help me practice unbuttoning. If unbuttoning is too tricky, help me learn to unzip or zip up zippers.
Ready for more?
Let me try buttoning smaller buttons.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to button an item of clothing with large buttons.