Table of Contents
Engaging Learning
You will have probably noticed that autistic children can find attending to and concentrating during activities that they are not particularly interested in, very challenging!
With developmental delay in the areas of joint attention, language, communication and social skills being core features of the diagnostic criteria for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is not surprising that a child would find it difficult to keep focused during an undesired activity.
We therefore must make learning activities fun, engaging and desirable!
Using a child’s particular, personal interests during learning can really capture their attention and engage them. I wrote a specific post about using a child’s individual interests in learning here.
Key factors to think about when choosing and making fun and engaging resources include:
Here are some fun and engaging activities, materials and resources I will be using this winter:
Shaving Foam and Baking Soda 'Snow'
Fake ‘snow’ is always fun to play with and is very multi-sensory. Any favourite play toys could also be added to a tray of fake snow! If you need an edible-safe version, just use cornflour and a small amount of water.
Building Snow People
Painting on Ice
This is a great creative activity which can explore mathematical and scientific concepts such as ‘cold’ and ‘melting’. Because the ice melts, the way the paint looks keeps changing, creating lots of different patterns.
Dressing Up as a Snowman During 'The Snowman', 'Snowman's Story' or 'The Snowman's Nose'
Using props, resources and dressing-up can make a story come to life and much more fun for all children!
Sensory Water Bottles
You can get creative and put anything in the water bottles that the children may find fun and interesting! You can even make them into ‘snow globes’.
Spinning and Dancing Snowman
Just because he’s funny and makes the children laugh! These type of toys are great for use during Attention Autism activities.
Please feel free to share any engaging resources and activities you are currently using in the comments below!
Inclusive Teaching Strategies Guide
Online Training Courses
Take a look at our online courses full of videos and resources to empower you with knowledge, strategies and skills to enhance children's learning and development
