Explain and demonstrate
Did you know?
Role modelling together with verbal encouragement will optimise the child's learning.
One of the best ways of nurturing good feelings and self-esteem is to encourage a child's already strong interest in doing things for themselves.
An important component in the self-help environment is your attitude. Even if it is inconvenient or seems time consuming, the time is well spent allowing children the opportunity to practice developing skills.
Break the task into steps
In order to assist a child to do a task, you will need to break the task into individual steps. This is called task analysis. Children need these steps explained one by one, in a patient and respectful way.
Think about how you would explain to someone how to wash their hands. What are the steps involved?
This is a task analysis for hand washing. Each step has a picture and an explanation. Hand washing demonstration
Try breaking the following tasks into individual steps to form a task analysis. Write down your completed task analysis in your notebook.
- drying your hands
- putting on a buttoned shirt
- getting a drink of milk.
Role modelling
Encouraging children verbally is important, but there is also another way of helping children learn new skills and tasks - role modelling. Role modelling is one of the key ways that children learn.
Role modelling a task means physically completing the task with the child so they can see how it is normally done. Role modelling together with verbal encouragement will optimise the child's learning. You will probably find that you role model while explaining a task anyway without even knowing it.
You will need to ask a family member or friend to help you with this activity.
- Take your friend or family member to the bathroom and instruct them on how to wash their hands.
The person you are instructing cannot move onto the next step in the task until you have instructed them.
You must not show them in any way or physically help them. You are allowed to verbally encourage them. - How did it go? Write your response in your notebook.
- Now try the same exercise using both verbal encouragement and physically completing the steps with them.
- How did it go this time? What was different? Write your response in your notebook.
