Lesson SEN 33
Task: Go up and down stairs.
Prerequisites: ADT 3, SEN 6, SEN 7
Concept: This action can be dangerous if proper safety is not observed. Although many children learn this task with a crawling motion, this concept is not used in this lesson. As always, the materials used for teaching should have a direct purpose for the student. Be sure to practice on stairs that the student is likely to use. Going up stairs appears safer than going down, which is why this aspect is taught first.
Behavioral Objective: When requested to go up (or down) the stairs, the student will place alternate feet from one stair to the next to a 100% accuracy level for 30 trials.
Materials: A staircase with a hand railing that is common to the student's environment.
Task Analysis:
1. Introduce the student to the staircase that will be used and prompt the student to grasp the railing with his or her hand. Continue this process until the student will grasp the railing with only a verbal request to do so.
2. Standing in front of the stairs with the student holding the railing with one hand, physically prompt, if needed, the student to lift his or her leg and place it on the first step. Then return the foot to the original position.
3. Continue Step 2, proceeding to placing both feet on the first step and then returning to the starting position.
4. With physical guidance, assist the student up the stairs, initially taking one step at a time and then bringing feet together. Physically guide the student back down the stairs. Continue to have the student hold the handrail at all times.
5. Modify Step 4 to where the legs are used alternately, placing only one on each stair.
6. Reduce physical prompting as safety permits until only verbal requests are needed.