This is the fourth in a four-part series “What is special instruction?” It comes from the DEC position statement on Special Instruction “The Role of Special Instruction in Early Intervention.”
The designing of learning environments and activities that promote the child’s acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental areas including cognitive processes and social interactions,
Curriculum planning including the planned interaction of personnel, materials, and time and space, that leads to achieving outcomes in the child’s individualized family service plan,
Providing families with information, skills, and support related to enhancing the skill development of the child; and
Working with the child to enhance the child’s development
What is special instruction? Working with child to enhance child development.
Working with a child to enhance child development is where I get to PLAY with those babies. Get hands-on! Experiment with different strategies. Observe. Try something new. Teach. Provide learning opportunities. This is the part we are most likely to think about when we think of early intervention, but it is actually only one part of what a special instructor does. Because I’m a teacher at heart, I love this part though.
Examples of activities that promote child development include
- Facilitating play with a peer
- Facilitating play with toys (Posts about Toys)
- Singing a song with actions (Music in Early Intervention)
- Reading a book with pictures (play inspired by books)
- Following a child’s lead
- Initiating a game
- Redirect challenging behaviors (challenging behaviors)
- Modeling language
- Vocal play
- Gentle stretching of muscles
- Rough and tumble play
- Snuggle and soothe
- Play outside
- Do art activities (arts and craft play)
This blog is going to be filled with specific child development-promoting activities. I can’t wait to see it grow. What are some other ways you work with a child to enhance his development?
Blog Posts About Working Directly With Children To Enhance Development
Simple Tools in Early Intervention: The Mirror
Language starts long before the first word is spoken; it begins with awareness, body movement, and imitation. The mirror is so powerful because it provides immediate visual feedback—a principle supported by speech-language research.
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Sensory Play: Stretchy Bands
For a sensory-seeking child who is always looking for movement, if that movement comes in the form of a fun, voluntary activity—like using an elastic band to play with—that is an improvement.
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Sensory Play: Bedtime Routine Part 2
Creating a peaceful bedtime routine for a child with sensory processing challenges takes time, patience, and experimentation. By understanding your child’s unique needs and incorporating sensory strategies, you can create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and sleep for everyone.
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Sensory Play: Jumping on the Indoor Trampoline
Jumping can be a powerful tool in our sensory toolkit. By understanding the science of it and incorporating it thoughtfully, we can help sensory-seeking children find regulation, improve their motor skills, and engage more fully in their world.
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Early Intervention Heavy Work for Sensory Seekers
Sensory seekers may naturally seek out various sensory experiences, but it’s crucial to guide them toward appropriate and regulating activities. Often, this means prioritizing proprioceptive feedback through heavy work.
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Sensory Play: A Calming Aquarium Scene
My experience reminded me that sensory input doesn’t always have to be about high-energy stimulation. Nature scenes, whether real or simulated, can offer a gentle, calming alternative. This aligns with the research, which emphasizes the stress-reducing effects of nature.
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Sensory Play: The Body Sock
We tried all sorts of heavy work activities, and one that really stood out was the sensory body sock. It was like magic! He’d climb in, push against the stretchy fabric, and… instant calm. It gave me peace to see his little body find some peace.
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The Purple Road: Sensory Regulation with a Yoga Mat
Sometimes, the most effective tools are the ones we already have. A simple yoga mat became a “purple road” to sensory regulation for Little Monkey.
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Using A Cardboard Box to Support Sensory Needs On the Go
The cardboard box solution, a simple early intervention strategy, addressed several of his sensory needs and made a challenging situation much more manageable. It also underscores the many benefits of cardboard box play for children in general.
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