Lesson SOC 10
Task: Throw a ball into a receptacle.
Prerequisites: ADT 3, COG 6, SEN 12
Concept: This activity can later lead to activities such as basketball or similar types of games. A game-like atmosphere should be used in teaching this skill. A practical modification to this activity would be the throwing of a balled-up piece of paper into a trash can. If balls of a sponge-like nature are used, watch to make sure students do not ingest the items.
Behavioral Objective: When requested to "throw the ball into the (name given to the receptacle such as trash can or hoop)" that has been placed at least 3 feet away, the student will grasp the ball, and using a forward arm motion, will release the ball into specified container to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials. Materials: Brightly colored balls about 6 inches in diameter, preferably of a sponge-like nature. In some cases, a set with a small basketball-like hoop can be purchased.
Task Analysis:
1. Using the prerequisite skill of picking up an item with the hands (SEN 12) and holding an item (ADT 3), interact with the student until he or she is able to pick up the ball and continue to hold it for at least 30 seconds.
2. Place the receptacle to be used immediately next to the student so that simple arm movement, while still grasping the ball, can be used to place the ball over the receptacle. Slowly physically guide the student to release the ball into the container, providing lots of verbal praise when successful.
3. Through continued physical guidance, practice a throwing motion and releasing of the ball without regard to the receptacle.
4. Placing the container at least 1 foot beyond the student's reach and combine the skills taught in Steps 2 and 3 to physically guide the student in throwing the ball into the container when prompted to do so.
5. Gradually reduce physical prompting until only a single verbal request is needed and increase the distance thrown to at least 3 feet.