This activity is fun during the summer and great for incorporating a variety of targets. Chunky chalks are great for younger children who have not yet developed the pincer grip. The main aim can be writing, as many targets may be for children to copy or trace different patterns/lines, including curved lines, zig-zag lines, straight lines, swirls, etc., or shapes (writing, 11d-11M. 12b-12M). Also you can work on letters or words as writing (writing 13a. 13M) or reading (reading 13M, 15b) targets. This activity can be done on the pavement or on a wall. This can be adapted to include paint brushes and water. You can draw a visual model with chalk, and then the learner can trace over it with a wet paintbrush. This will help support their hand-eye co-ordination. This activity can include current tact (labelling) targets of objects, which you can draw and then ask your learner to label (tact 10M). This will be fantastic for generalisation! Alternatively, ask them to point to or show you a specific target to demonstrate receptive understanding of items you’ve drawn. Also, if you learner is able to draw a variety of things, you could do these same targets receptively, “show me…”, or “point to the..”, (LR 6M) or ask them or allow them to draw a larger picture (writing 13b, 13c).
Preceding skills reference to the VB-MAPP Assessment tool:
Sundberg, M. L. (2008) Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program: The VB-MAPP. Concord, CA: AVB Press.
*LR: Listener responding
Busy Analytical Bee 