To Teach A Children With Developmental Concerns
Set The Stage For Learning
- Decide on the task that needs to be taught. Example- Hand Washing.
- Divide the the task into steps.
- Reduce distractions- Switch off the tv, phones and other distractions.
- Collect the materials needed to teach the task.
Once The Steps Are Divided For The Task
Either you can teach the task-
- Last step first and move backwards and link up the steps of the task. For eg -closing the zip last step of the task (putting jacket ) we start teaching the child.
- Start from first step of the sequence. For eg -hand washing, toilet training.
- Use pictures, stories. Visual schedules to help them with the task.
- Always help give them appropriate cues. Physical -holding hand, Verbal -saying, Gestural -pointing, Visual -showing.
Reinforcer
- We all work for some reason or reward. Likewise we need to reinforce the correct behaviour by using reinforcers. This can be a verbal praise, social reinforcer like a hug or high five, favourite activity like rhyme or story or just getting your attention (these are called reinforcers).
- Reinforcers increases the chances of the good behaviour to be used again in future. Read this article for a detailed explanation.
- Download this checklist for better gathering of information.
Prompting And Cues
- At school when we didn’t know the answer we would turn to our teacher or friend who would give us a cue. This cue could have been in many different ways other than speaking. Similarly when we gives cues to the child it is called prompting. Read this article to understand the subject.
- Prompts can be visual, gestural, model, physical or verbal. Read this article for understanding the hierarchy of prompts.
- Visual cues are actual objects, pictures, symbols, or text are used to provide information. Words disappear as we speak but pictures or objects stay and this can be used to our advantage to help kids with developmental challenges. Read this article for understanding visual cues better.
What To Expect While Teaching?
- Initially the child needs the highest level of prompt /clue -physical. Once the child learns gradually will need only a visual clue.
- Always give time for the child to respond. 10-15 seconds.
- If no response use prompts in the hierarchy described provide reinforces (rewards) for the attempts even if it was a failure. Reward the attempt and not the result. The result will gradually come over time. But help them to inch towards the goal.
- Reinforces are rewards that can be social, tangible, edibles or toys. Based on what they like the most. Use it wisely to prevent satiation.
- Always keep the motivation higher. The task they are doing must be made interesting. Only then the child will learn the skill.
Resources
Please visit UC Davis Mind Institute ADEPT Training.