Topic “Home and activities for living”  

A ‘HELP’ picture symbol 

Container the child can see into but can't open e.g. screw-top jar/zip-top bag etc which contains a motivating reward e.g. crisp, raisin, sticker.

You can get symbols with the Commtap Symboliser.

1. Put the ‘Help’ symbol in front of the child.
2. Put the motivating reward into the container.
3. Shake the container and get the child’s interest.
4. Give the container to the child, so they can try to get the item out of the container.
5. Make sure the child can give you the container for you to open it for them. At first you may need to take the container from them, open the it, and give it back to them for a few goes.
6. When the child can do this, when they are going to give you the container, redirect the child to the ‘Help’ symbol and hold out your hand to receive the ‘Help’ symbol. Say ‘Help …… I want help.’
7. Wait for the child to say ‘Help’ or hand you the ‘Help’ symbol.
8. If this does not happen help the child to hand over the ‘Help’ symbol. Say ‘Help’ as the child gives you the symbol.

Container the child can see into but can't open e.g. screw-top jar/zip-top bag etc which contains a motivating reward e.g. crisp, raisin, sticker.

Make sure you know the sign for help before doing the activity (e.g. Signalong, Makaton).

Materials as needed, for example:

• Pictures for cutting out e.g. old Argos catalogue
• Scissors
• Simple board game
• Blunt pencil
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper
• Equipment for an activity the child enjoys
• Bubbles

Blow some bubbles to get the child's attention / Blow a balloon up and then let the air out to make a noise.

Get ready to do the activity again, but wait for the child to indicate that they want some more.

Bricks or stacking beakers.

Small bucket

Sand in a sand pit

Spade

Small animal to hide at the bottom of the bucket.

Several containers

Large amount of bottle tops (or other similar material)

• water tray or washing up bowl;
• containers of various sizes;
• sponges;
• apron(s).

1. Try actions that the child might enjoy, for example squeezing out the sponge, pouring water over their hands, flicking a little bit of water towards the child;

2. Stop and wait;

3. Look for any sign that the child might want the action repeated, this could be looking, smiling, a slight movement. For some children the only indication they might make is not moving their hands away;

4. Repeat the activity.

Hand held battery operated fan.

One or materials with different textures, for example:

• rough and smooth textures;
• shaving foam;
• play dough (you can make your own play dough very cheaply - see https://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Affordable-Play-Dough/)
  

Musical instruments, for example:

• percussion instruments,
• battery operated musical toys.

Any toys which have a quick response, e.g. a jack in a box.

- A piece of material - this could be a blanket, a muslin, a cloth, a scarf.

1. Sit down with your child.
2. Call your child's name to encourage them to look at you.
3. Hold up the cloth between yourself and your child so that you cannot see each other's faces. Make a noise to help your child anticipate what will happen, e.g. "ooooo".
4. Pull the cloth down and say "boo" maintaining eye contact with your child.
5. Wait for a response, e.g. your child smiling and then say "more" and repeat the activity.