Lesson SEN 17
Task: Use a pegboard.
Prerequisites: SEN 13, SEN 14
Concept: This task is an extension of the fine-motor skills of putting an object in a container (SEN 14). The control needed to perform this skill, however, is far more complex because a specific placement of a peg that is almost an exact fit is needed. The pegs chosen should be of a size that the student can use most, if not all, of his or her fingers to grasp the peg. Mastery of this skill can be beneficial in teaching pattern or color concepts in later lessons.
Behavioral Objective: When presented with at least 10 pegs and a pegboard (designed for those pegs) and requested to "please put the pegs in the board," the student will place the pegs in any available hole to a 90% accuracy level for 20 trials.
Materials: A pegboard and pegs. (Note. Bright colors are preferred.)
Task Analysis:
1. Introduce the student to the pegs by encouraging him or her to hold them and physically guide the student to hold the peg in a manner that will later allow him or her to place the peg in the pegboard. Be aware of the potential for the student to swallow these pegs, and use extreme caution to prevent this from happening.
2. Continue Step 1, adding the movement of the peg toward the pegboard.
3. Continue Step 2, adding physical assistance in placing the peg in a hole anywhere on the pegboard.
4. Gradually reduce the physical guidance needed, first with the aspects of Step 1, then Step 2, and finally to Step 3, until only step-by-step verbal prompting is needed.
5. Reduce all prompting except for the total-task request: "(Name), please put the pegs in the board."
6. Gradually increase the number of pegs provided to 10 and continue until the objective is met.