Free Play & Making Choices

Your Path: Circle of Inclusion Home Page Methods Augmentative and Alternative Communication Free play & Make choice

Picture of boys with switch toy

Free and Pretend Play

  • Have the child use a switch to operate a computer game with a peer.

  • Let the child control a battery operated toy in play interactions with a peer.

  • Encourage peers to use the laptray as a play surface.

  • Adapt toys with Velcro so they can be picked up by a child with limited hand use.

  • Provide a method for the child to choose a peer to play with.

  • Provide a method for the child to say:
    • "This is fun!"
    • "Can I play?"
    • "I like that! / I don't like that!"
    • "Will you take me to           ?"
    • "Let's play             ."
    • "Will you play with me?"
    • "I can do it myself!"
    • "It's my turn / It's your turn."
    • "Are you OK?"
    • "Thank you."


Making Choices Picture of a boy choosing a crayon

  • Children can be offered choices of:
    • foods
    • toys to play with
    • music to listen to
    • friends to sit next to
    • what clothes to wear
    • which cereal to eat for breakfast
    • what TV shows to watch
    • etc.

  • To teach initial choice making the two choices may include:
    • two preferred options,
    • one preferred and one non-preferred option
    • one preferred and a "blank" or "distracter" option.
 
Your Path: Circle of Inclusion Home Page Methods Augmentative and Alternative Communication Free play & Make choice
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