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| TEACHING PLAY SKILLS |
By: Tracey Spiro
Special Education /Aba Teacher
Special Education /Aba Teacher
Why is play important?
• Play is a child’s “work”. It’s what they do in order to learn about their world.
• Play allows a child to learn and practice new skills in all areas.
• Play provides a vehicle to interact with people and objects in their environment.
• Play promotes independence during “down time”.
• Play builds confidence and competency.
• Learning how to play appropriately with toys can replace non-functional play.
• Most important, IT’S FUN!!!
How does play differ for a child with a developmental disorder?
• Play is a child’s “work”. It’s what they do in order to learn about their world.
• Play allows a child to learn and practice new skills in all areas.
• Play provides a vehicle to interact with people and objects in their environment.
• Play promotes independence during “down time”.
• Play builds confidence and competency.
• Learning how to play appropriately with toys can replace non-functional play.
• Most important, IT’S FUN!!!
How does play differ for a child with a developmental disorder?
| Children without a developmental disorder |
| Children with a developmental disorder |
| Ritualistic Can be Non-Functional Repetitive Limited interests Rigid |
| Voluntary Spontaneous Internally Reinforcing Flexible Creative |
Selecting Toys?
• Pick out toys that are related to your children’s INTERESTS.
• If your child engages in “non functional behavior” choose toys that provide the same sensory
input but in a more appropriate way.
• Choose toys that correspond to your child’s developmental level.
Teaching Tips:
• Don’t be afraid to “change the rules” or use only some of the pieces to simplify the play in the
beginning.
• Remember to teach “one step at a time”. Small steps will lead to BIG gains!
• Program for success! Provide “prompts” as needed in order to ensure that your child
continues to be successful and motivated.
• Structure play time in “small time frames” frequently throughout the day.
• Know when to end a play session!
• Pick out toys that are related to your children’s INTERESTS.
• If your child engages in “non functional behavior” choose toys that provide the same sensory
input but in a more appropriate way.
• Choose toys that correspond to your child’s developmental level.
Teaching Tips:
• Don’t be afraid to “change the rules” or use only some of the pieces to simplify the play in the
beginning.
• Remember to teach “one step at a time”. Small steps will lead to BIG gains!
• Program for success! Provide “prompts” as needed in order to ensure that your child
continues to be successful and motivated.
• Structure play time in “small time frames” frequently throughout the day.
• Know when to end a play session!
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| Teaching Play Skills |
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