Lesson S&L 3
Task: Imitate gestures (signs).
Prerequisites: ADT 1, COG 11
Concept: This task is an extension of the lessons taught to develop motor imitation (COG 11). The outcome here is more of a fine-motor action than in the prerequisite and should involve some specific finger movement. This skill could later lead to sign language usage, if appropriate. Teachers should be reminded that any sign whose meaning is mutually agreed upon between teacher and student can be used to communicate. In other words, if the student has difficulty learning or performing a universally accepted version of a sign, a simpler form can be substituted. Independent use is not the intended outcome, but this skill should be considered a prerequisite if sign language is going to be taught.
Behavioral Objective: When the teacher shows the student a specific gesture from five separate choices, the student will copy that gesture to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: Small objects common to the student's environment, for example, a cup, a spoon, a napkin, or a favorite object.
Task Analysis:
1. Review gross-motor arm movement types of imitation (see prerequisite COG 11).
2. Continue Step 1, gradually modifying the arm movement imitation to imitation using finger movements. Use physical guidance as needed.
3. Present common objects (from a total of five), one at a time, and couple the presentation of the object with a specific finger movement type of action. If difficulties are encountered in this process of association of a sign to an object, this component can be dropped because the objective does not require it. It is desirable, however, to proceed this way in order to develop meaning to the signs used. Physically or verbally prompt as needed.
4. Reduce all prompting and continue Step 3 until the objective is met.