In this video, you'll see how Wanda keeps asking Zack if he wants 'more yogurt.' It might sound like he's not responding... but he is! He is just beginning to use words to communicate and "Mmm" is his way of saying more. Instead of focusing on how he isn't saying the entire word, Wanda just continues to model the correct pronunciation. Zack says, "Mmm" and Wanda repeats, "Oh, are you asking for more? More." She is helping him build functional communication skills.
The more support we can offer children so they know what is happening in their day, the smoother the day will go. Don't we all want to know what's going to happen next? And if we have to stop something we love, don't we do better when we have a little warning? All of our schedules have been completely thrown off with the closing of school. Try out some of these ideas, and see if they begin to help smooth out the days. Remember, though, it takes time for children to learn the routines. Don't be discouraged! Just keep trying.
Transitions are hard for children, which make transitions hard for parents too! Kathryn has just started a new transition routine with Ben. Watch as she demonstrates using a timer as a transition cue at bedtime.
As adults, we have all kinds of reminders throughout the day of what we need to do. A to-do list. A recipe. A calendar reminder on our phone. Map-quest. Children can really benefit from having the same visual schedules in their day too. Here are several ideas of how you can create visual schedules in your home. I used a plastic cutting sheet and cardboard from a box. This is called make-do with what you have!
This video begins to demonstrate the use of picture cards for choice making. We can do this for mealtimes with foods (cookie or apple), throughout the day for activity choices (puzzles or books), and to continue or end an activity (yes or no). This is such a powerful step in teaching children how to express themselves.
With a little help, your little ones can help! There are so many ways to teach new concepts throughout the day. Just by talking about what you are doing, you are teaching! Here's another way to have little helpers and still get your household tasks completed.
If you're washing dishes every day, you're probably putting away dishes every day. With some precautions for safety, your children can handle this job!
How do you get your household tasks done when everyone is home all the time? You put them to work! Young children just need a little help from you to be safe while helping out.
Like Daniel Tiger says, "Everyone is big enough to do something!" Let's look around the house to see what we could turn into a choice board. Supplies where you least expect them (the garage, the recycle bin, that old amazon box).
Practice communication skills when children are motivated... like at snack time!
|