Lesson S&L 22
Task: Use vocabulary of 20 or more words.
Prerequisites: ADT 4, S&L 10
Concept: Verbal expression is not required to achieve this task. Pointing to an object or picture when at least four choices are presented can demonstrate receptive language or comprehension skills. Receptive language usually exceeds expressive language (words that are commonly spoken); therefore, it is not uncommon for a student who speaks only a few words to understand many more words than he or she speaks. The reason for listing identifying objects in the home as a prerequisite is because success in that exercise can be expanded upon to achieve positive results in this sample lesson.
Behavioral Objective: When asked to point to or otherwise identify a picture or object, the student will successfully do so for at least 20 items to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: Pictures or objects common to the student's environment or personally enjoyed by the student. Some items unfamiliar to the student should be used to teach new or additional words.
Task Analysis:
1. Review with the student his or her ability to identify items in the home (see the prerequisite). This can be modified to items in the classroom if it appears likely to be more successful.
2. Continue Step 1, introducing new items not related to the home or class environment until the student demonstrates knowledge of at least 20 separate items.
3. Present two items or pictures at the same time that have been taught in Steps 1 or 2 and ask the student to identify one of the items that you randomly request.
4. Continue Step 3, gradually increasing from two to four the number of samples from which the student will choose.
5. Continue Step 4, introducing different items until the objective is met.