INCIDENTAL TEACHING AND

APPROPRIATE PLAYLisa Brown

INCIDENTAL TEACHING

A naturalistic teaching method

A procedure where new behaviors are taught within the context of natural environments, during the course of typical events.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Any learning opportunity you can get out of the environment and objects in the environment

ELOs are a part of Incidental Teaching

NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS/SETTINGS WHERE YOU CAN USE I.T.

In the boothDuring structured play timeOutsideDuring snack/meal times In the bathroomWhile washing handsTransitioning from one place to the nextANYWHERE!

VERBAL PROMPTS YOU CAN USE: There are numerous prompts you can

use to guide incidental teaching, here are some examples:

“Say”, “Hi”“Say”, “I want juice”“Say”, “Go Potty”“Say”, “Let’s go play”

Can you think of anymore?

I.T. DURINGMASTERED PROCEDURE TIME Bring the child to the playroom

Gather a few reinforcers/preferred items

Play with each until the child shows interest in a specific item- let the child guide the teaching

Try to get as many ELOs from that one item as possible

Use as many items as you can and make sure the child is interested at all times.

FOR EXAMPLE: Suzie shows an interest in a Sesame Street

puzzle

You say, “What is this?” Prompt her to say ‘puzzle’ before giving it to her.

Once Suzie starts playing with the puzzle, take a piece away.

Point to a color and ask, “What color?”

If a certain character is on the puzzle piece you may also ask, “Who is this?”

SUZIE EXAMPLE CONTINUED Once identifying these answers, give

Suzie the puzzle piece and say, “Finish puzzle.”

Ask as many questions as you possibly can about the puzzle.Great ELOs!

It is okay if you need to prompt responses.

I.T. DURING SNACK/MEAL TIME Withhold a food item Hold it in your hand, and ask “What is

this?” Wait for the child to respond and give it

to the child after a correct response.Prompting is okay

Other questions you can ask:“What color is this?”“Do you want this?”“Pick one.”

I.T. AND REINFORCERS Instead of just letting the child sit and

play with his/her reinforcer alone, make extra learning opportunities“What is this?”“What color is this?”“Do this.” (Model something with the toy)“What does a _____ say?”“How many ________ are there?” “One, two,

three …….”

YOUR TURN

Your child is playing with a few toy cars.

What are possible ELOs you could present?

YOUR TURN You are at lunch with your child.

Today’s lunch consists of a beverage, a hotdog, carrots and applesauce.

What are possible ELOs you could present?

YOUR TURN

When your child is washing his/her hands?

What are possible ELOs you could present?

APPROPRIATE PLAY

When a child engages in an activity appropriately

What does this mean?Child plays with toys appropriatelyChild engages in age-appropriate activitiesChild engages in pretend playChild interacts with other people/children

EXAMPLES: Rolling a ball Putting a doll in a car Dressing up in costumes Flying an airplane Rolling out play-doh Hugging a classmate

Can you all think of other examples?

NOT EXAMPLES Sucking on a car. Hitting their head on the table. Spinning things that aren’t supposed to

be spun. Heavily concentrating on one object. Sitting alone in the corner.

Can you all think of other examples?

QUESTIONSOR

COMMENTS???