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Topic “Primary (5-11yrs)”  

Primary school age (5-11 years)

Reach to indicate wanting more of an activity

Activity/strategy name and materials required How to do the activity Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Water play
  • 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.

The purpose of this activity is to encourage children to use a developmentally early method of showing that they want some or more of an activity. This activity may be too low level for the child if they are beginning to make some other indication that they want some or more of an activity, for example using a gesture or sign, using some kind of vocalisation.

Keep each go short so that the child has plenty of opportunities to indicate that they want the activity repeated.

Do not continue the activity if there is any indication that the child does not want to do the activity.

A helper sitting behind the child to assist them in making the reaching response can make this activity easier.
Personal battery operated fans

Hand held battery operated fan.

Comments - see above.
Textures/messy play

One or materials with different textures, for example:

Comments - see above.
Noise makers

Musical instruments, for example:

  • percussion instruments,
  • battery operated musical toys.

Comments - see above.
Cause and effect toys

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

For comments - see above.

Developing the skill of looking at and responding to another person

Activity/strategy name and materials required How to do the activity Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Peek-a-boo

- 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.

Sit on the carpet or at a table dependent on where is most comfortable for your child.

Your child may not respond to their name so you may need to make an interesting sound to get their attention.

 

Indicates wanting to continue an enjoyable experience

Activity/strategy name and materials required How to do the activity Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Songs with actions

No materials required.

1. Sing songs with simple actions like 'Row row the boat' (with rocking).

2. When the song is very familiar pause after (or during) the song and encourage the child to indicate that they want the song to continue by looking at you, smiling, or pulling on your hands to continue rocking.

Use simple familiar songs with simple physical actions.

Pause and allow the child time to indicate they want more.

Look for actions, looks or movements which suggest the child is communicating that he wants to continue.

If he makes no indication that he wants to continue pull a few times on his hands (to prompt him) and then sing the song again.
Sensory Toys

- A selection of vibrating toys, light and sound toys.

Allow your child time to enjoy the toy before turning it off.

After you turn it off pause and look for any communication.

If your child makes no communication prompt him by making a sound ( 'ah'?) and turn it back on.

Continue for a few turns.

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