We
design tasks to eliminate any possible frustration the students may experience
when trying to complete them. Because the items in these examples are large and
chunky, they are easier to pick up. Because all pieces are contained and
stabilized in the shoeboxes, there is no confusion about how to set up the parts.
Because the individual items are organized in bins or on a post, they are less
likely to fall from the desk.
Such
organized tasks also lead to independence. The materials define what the students
are to do.
Clarifying
beginnings and endings of tasks eliminates the desire of some students to undo
the work they just finished. Having materials disappear into slots emphasizes
the finish aspect.
Often
when designing tasks for our beginning students, we add a sensory component to
make the task more interesting to them.
In
this activity, the items students are to push through the opening have different
textures.
In this task, the plastic shapes make a clanking sound when
hitting the bottom of the tin can. Students enjoy memorizing a sing-song phrase
to say along with the action. “Clink! Clank!”
After our beginning-level students can complete tasks requiring
them to place objects into openings, we often design this type of sorting task
for them. Here, the students must figure out which object fits into which
opening. Because the cylindrical spool will not fit into the horizontal slit
for the buttons and the buttons will not fit into a round opening, the students
must think about what they are doing. They must sustain their attention to a
problem as they use trial-and-error methods to make the objects fit. Focusing
attention in order to problem-solve is an important skill that can be generalized
to other tasks as the students make progress. Learning to complete such a simple
put-in task has valuable implications for our students.
Our Tasks Galore series of books will aid you in designing
activities for all developmental levels. We address all areas of curriculum
whether academic or self-help.
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As always, a portion of our proceeds go to organizations helping people
with autism and their families.
We wish you a very Happy New Year!
