Develop developmentally appropriate activities:
When selecting activities, it is important to consider the following:
- Materials that are appropriate (if possible, materials should be naturally occurring in the environment, age appropriate and adapted to increase use, engagement and learning).
- The best setting for teaching the skill.
- Teaching strategies which are appropriate (strategies should promote independence and allow integration of skills across settings).
- The level of assistance that is needed.
- Cues and reinforcement that will be used.
Likes and Dislikes
Once you have a clear picture of how your student communicates, consider the kinds of activities that are needed to teach communication. Explore activities that your student will find motivating and enjoyable. Before developing a communication activity, consider which items the child both likes and dislikes. Using the "Likes and Dislikes Log" to note items the student reacts to either favorably or adversely. For example, this list can consist of objects, activities, textures, flavors, and smells.
Children are more likely to respond to things they like or that interest them. When designing communication activities, consider using topics from the student's "Likes" list on the Likes and Dislikes Log.
You have established a present level of communication for your student. You have a list of the things she likes. The third step in the process is to develop motivating communication activities that are developmentally appropriate.
Read information on Likes/Dislikes from the Washington Sersory Disabilities Services website.
Click on the link to their Likes/Dislikes form. This can be used as an alternative to the one above.
