Lesson SEN 16
Task: Scoop sand.
Prerequisites: ADT 3, SEN 12
Concept: In this activity the primary action is gross motor in nature, but some fine-motor skills are also needed. Mastery of this skill may or may not give direct purpose or pleasure to the student. The real aim is to be able to perform a motor activity that involves lower arm movement and rotation of the wrist. These skills can later be applied to vocational or socialization activities. The difference between the skills of "holding" and "picking up" an object with the hands can be seen in this activity. The "picking up" aspect is to get the scoop and place it into a proper position. The "holding" concept is to maintain enough strength to perform the activity.
Behavioral Objective: When presented with a scoop and some sand and requested to "please scoop some sand," the student will perform that activity by taking sand from one pile and creating another pile of sand, independently scooping at least five times to a 90% accuracy level for 20 sessions.
Materials: A scooping tool where the handle is large enough to encompass the student's whole hand, some sand, and a container to hold the sand.
Task Analysis:
1. Using the prerequisite skills of picking up an object in the hands (SEN 12) and holding it (ADT 3), encourage the student to pick up the scoop with a full-hand grip. Have the student wave the scoop around, perhaps in time to music, to gain control over and develop a secure holding of the scoop.
2. Physically assist the student in placing the scoop into the sand and guide him or her to placing the scooped sand into a pile. Use a lot of verbal guidance and praise as well.
3. Continue Step 2, reducing physical guidance until just gestural and verbal prompting is needed.
4. Continue Step 3, reducing all guidance until only step-by-step verbal prompting is needed. Proceed to total-task verbal prompting: "(Name), please scoop some sand." Continue until the objective is met.