Lesson SEN 8
Task: Sit in a chair.
Prerequisites: COG 6
Concept: This skill should not be confused with the task of remaining seated for a period of time (COG 3). The activity of this lesson is not related to actual attending behavior but deals with the act itself. A physical therapist may be a useful resource for this task, especially if difficulties are encountered. The same chair in the same location should be employed throughout this activity.
Behavioral Objective: When taken to a specific chair, the student will sit (gestural or verbal prompting may be used) for at least 5 seconds to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: A chair (sometimes a rocking chair is more desirable) and objects or activities that are known to be enjoyed by the student.
Task Analysis:
1. Verify that the objects or activities that have been identified in the materials section are desired by the student.
2. Keeping the objects identified in Step 1 out of the visual field of the student, use gentle physical guidance to guide the student to stand next to the chair that will be used. Immediately provide the student with the activities or objects identified in the materials section and allow him or her to participate in that action for a few minutes. At this point, actual sitting is not performed.
3. Add to Step 2 physically guiding the student to turn with his or her back to the chair. Gently press down on the student's shoulder while gently pushing the back of the knee forward to facilitate the bending of the knee. (Sometimes an instructor on either side of the student can ensure more safety.) Do not force this action. It may take repeated efforts to accomplish this step. As soon as the student sits in the chair, immediately provide the objects or activities that the student desires and a lot of verbal praise.
4. Continue Step 3, reducing the physical prompting, and attempt to replace it with gestural and verbal requests.