Uses special interests to engage positively in activities

Description:

These activities aim to provide opportunities for adults to use special interests to engage children in activities

Section: Early Years (0-5yrs) info; Primary (5-11yrs) info; Secondary (11-16yrs) info

Additional information (Click to show) (Click to hide)

Communication area:	Early communication; Physical skills
Context:	School; Home and activities for living
Includes:	Activities
Suitable for:	Individual; Small group
Accompanying disability:	Autism
Contributors:	eloiset
Date last changed:	January 5, 2026

Activity/strategy name and materials required	How to do the activity	Key principles for doing the activity and comments
Incorporate characters or special objects into learning Character toy or laminated print out of favourite TV or film character	Incorporate your child's favourite character into free flow learning, e.g. 1) If you are learning "We're going on a Bear Hunt", allow the character to go through the grass, mud river etc. 2) If you are learning Three Little Pigs and playing with toy houses, allow the character to visit the houses. 3) If you are learning transport, using a train set, use a laminate of the character and blu tac to allow them to ride the train.	Try to retain elements of the whole class learning so that your child is having new experiences related to the theme.
Special Interest Play Session – Toys, objects or media linked to the child’s special interest (e.g. trains, dinosaurs, animals, letters, numbers, cars).	Login or register to see the instructions for this activity.	Follow your child’s lead and do not direct the play. Use the interest as motivation for shared attention and enjoyment. Avoid removing or changing materials too quickly.

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