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.”
What Is Special Instruction?
This is a four part series diving into the answer to that question using the Division of Early Childhood Position Statement as a reference.
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
Transform Everyday Moments into Cumulative Storytelling
As an early childhood educator, I have always loved the sweet rhythm and pace of Audrey Wood’s The Napping House. This story is based on a true Saturday morning at our home. While it started with everyone cozy and dreaming, a single wagging tail set off a chain reaction that brought our “sleeping house” to…
Keep reading
Songs with a Purpose: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear For Following Simple Directions
When I need a high-motivation, movement-based activity for teaching the ability to follow simple one step verbal instructions, I turn to an old classic: “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around!” When I start singing the song, the children know exactly what to do. It’s a joyful, musical cue that instantly gets them moving.
Keep reading
Songs with Purpose: “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” for Sensory Regulation
It offered a fast, intense burst of movement followed by a moment of structured stillness. The older siblings could easily join in, and we could execute it anywhere—in a hallway, outside a restaurant, or even at the park—without needing any specialized equipment.
Keep reading
Early Intervention Play Inspired By Books
By connecting play into book sharing, we can make reading a more enjoyable and meaningful experience for even the most reluctant toddlers.
Keep reading
Early Intervention Activities with Pete The Cat I Love My White Shoes
If you’re a teacher or early interventionist wanting to help children develop their language skills: Use play-based activities that go along with the books you read. Whatever book it is! Read the books over and over again.
Keep reading
Early Intervention And Piano: An Unlikely Duo. Developmental Skills That Are Supported in Preschool Piano Lessons
Through this Early Intervention to Piano Teacher transition, I have realized that the fundamental learning process of humans learning new skills is the same: language, walking, holding crayons, or playing piano.
Keep reading
The Magic of “Apple, Apple, A, A, A Song”
As a parent, I played this album “Sounds Like Fun” in CD format for my own children to fall asleep. Now, as a music therapy student, I’ve rediscovered the song’s simple melody and repetitive chords making it an excellent tool for my own journey in learning how to play the guitar.
Keep reading
Song Of The Month: The Ants Go Marching
Using the simple song “The Ants Go Marching” is a great way to both be individualized and consistent in your own lesson planning. You can address a wide variety of goals as well as keep your planning simple.
Keep reading
Song Of The Month: The Wheels On The Bus
There are so many more fun and challenging things you can do with this song. Each child has their own set of challenges and preferences. With some creativity, one song can be adapted to meet each of these needs.
Keep reading
Song Of The Month: All The Little Fish
I plan activities (loosely) ahead of time for Early Intervention sessions. An easy way for me to both 1) not get bored and 2) keep track of progress is to repeat one particular action song that we stick to for a month. This month it is the Little Fish Song, “All the Little Fish Are…
Keep reading
Song Of The Month: Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed
The song “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” by Eileen Christelow is a favorite due to its interactive nature. It encourages play and incorporates developmental skills like counting and pretending. Practical props like phones and doctor’s kit enhance the experience. The song offers a variety of playful activities for children and promotes interactive learning.
Keep reading
Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Core Workout For Toddlers
Working with children, I love using action songs, especially the simple ones most mamas and daddies already know. “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is one I use frequently for things like rocking and swinging activities. To me, it lends itself to rocking movement.
Keep reading
All Things Early Intervention 