ABLE Featured Articles
Give Choice
Choose one:
Vacuum or do the laundry?
Can you decide between the two? Even if both options are undesirable to you
Is this happening in your family?
We’ll introduce a simple method that can encourage children to build their independence in terms of time management and responsibility.
Watch the video for more examples
“Choice” itself defines that there are at least two activities or things to offer, and then the children are free to choose. Because as long as the child takes the first step to make a choice, it means that they have accepted the things offered. This practice can also promote them to start activities, from which they can cultivate independent planning and organization of time.
Do you want to wash the dishes or do the laundry? Wash the dishes.
Depending on the child’s language level, you just need to ask them what they want, show them the real object or use a picture, and see which one they reach for.
Let's look at the following situations where we can use Select:
Select Order
When the number of activities that children need to complete is limited, let them choose the order among these activities, and put things first, second, third, etc.
Select the material to be used
Letting them make choices while the activity is going on can help make it more fun!
Frequency/Time
Let them choose the amount of activity they want to do, such as 2 minutes vs 5 minutes or 10 vs 6 reps. These choices ensure they try the activity instead of avoiding it.
When/Where
Allowing them to perform activities at a time and place that gives them a sense of control and motivation. Completing the activity in a setting of their choice can make them more relaxed, complete the activity more quickly, and reduce the amount of problem behaviors.
