Lesson SOC 18Task: Play a board gam

Lesson SOC 18

Task: Play a board game.

Prerequisites: ADT 1, COG 6, SEN 12, SEN 13

Concept: This activity can take many forms. In the absence of skill levels for commercially prepared games, the teacher can create his or her own game with poster board, a die or spinning indicator, and colorful markers. The primary focus of this activity is to provide social interaction, but it can later be used to learn specific tasks such as doing math or following directions. Taking turns (SOC 3) is a potential by-product of this activity and could also be taught at this time if it has not previously been mastered.

Behavioral Objective: When encouraged and in agreement to play a specific board game, the student will directly participate, following the rules and taking his or her turn to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials. Materials: A board game that is age-appropriate and has been either commercially produced or made by the instructor.

Task Analysis:

1. Introduce the student to the items involved in playing the game. Through demonstration, explain the rules to the student.

2. Using a group process, physically guide the student through the activities involved in the game. The concept of "winners and losers" should be minimized unless the situation can be manipulated to ensure that all group members win at least once in each session.

3. Reduce physical guidance until only step-by-step verbal prompts are needed. Use lots of praise for involvement and do not let "winning" be a primary focus.

4. Reduce all step-by-step verbal prompting until using only the total-task request: "Let's play (name of the board game)." If the student does not wish to play, try an alternative game or request participation at a later time.