This could be the perfect NET for an early or advanced learner. For an early learner you can work on generalising mands for actions, pushing on the swing or tickles when they come down the slide (mand 1-5M, 7-10M). Playing on the playground offers great opportunities for strengthening their motor movements, balance and co-ordination (MI* 1M, 2M, 4M, 5M, 10M. IP† 2M, 3M, 4M). Playing appropriately without adult interactions for a few minutes is an important skill that could have social significance for their family (IP† 9M). This activity may offer opportunities for generalising language targets around park related activities (slide, swings), for example labelling these when asked “What is this?” (tact: 1-7M), identifying the playground equipment, i.e., “show me the roundabout” (LR** 9M, 10M) or “What do you play on at the park?” or “A tree is a type of…“ [plant] (IV~ 8M-11M, 14M, 15M). This could be opportunity to generalise labels or receptive targets around verbs, for example “What am I doing?” and performing an action, e.g., running, climbing, etc. (tact 8M) or “show me running/spinning/etc,” (LR** 4M, 8M, 9M). This could also be a great opportunity for generalising and supporting social skills. This could be in imitating peers (ˆSBSP 5M, 6M), playing alongside peers (ˆSBSP 4M ), or interacting with peers (ˆSBSP 3M, 7M-15M). These skills can be worked on by role-playing prior to going to the park and/or in vivo when at the park. Also, you may have opportunities on your way there for other targets as you may pass cars, buses or people, for instance community helpers (tact 7M, 9M, 15c), or an opportunity to discuss/practise road safety.
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.
*MI: Motor Imitation, †IP: Independent Play **LR: Listener Responding. ~IV: Intraverbal. ˆSBSP: Social Behavior and Social Play.
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Busy Analytical Bee 