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Where Can I Implement Choice-Making?
Choice-making opportunities should be made available
throughout the day. Think about the types of routines that the individual
typically engages in. Examples include getting ready for school, arriving
at school, taking a trip to the library, and getting ready for bed.
These routines can all be categorized according to where they take place
at home, at school, or in the community. Let’s take a look at specific
examples of choices that can be given in each setting.
When Should I Provide Choice Options
at Home?
Choice opportunities can be made available during many at-home routines.
Some examples are listed below.
- when waking up/getting dressed
- during breakfast
- when arriving home from school
or work
- during leisure time
- while preparing for dinner
- during chores
- while getting ready for bed
Once you have identified routines to
target with your learner, identify the activities associated with each
routine to determine appropriate choice options.
Example: During Maggie’s
morning routine, associated activities would include making her bed,
brushing her teeth, getting dressed, and packing her backpack.
See how a specific activity within
Maggie’s morning routine –brushing teeth– was broken
down into individual steps. This makes it easier to determine the
choice options that may be presented within an activity.
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Steps of the Activity
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Choice Option
Presented
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1. Picks up toothbrush
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1. Would you like to use the
purple or the blue toothbrush?
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2. Gets toothbrush wet
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2. Would you like to use warm
or cold water?
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3. Puts toothpaste on brush
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3. Would you like to use spearmint,
or bubble gum flavored toothpaste?
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4. Begins brushing teeth
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4. Would you like to stand on
the floor or on the stool?
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Should Choice Opportunities Be Provided
During All Activities at School?
At-school choices can be provided during
virtually all activities. Below are some great examples of times make
choice-making opportunities may be implemented during the school day.
- during arrival/departure
- during snack or lunchtime
- during opening session/circle time
- during small group activities
- during individualized work times
- during specials such as art and
P.E.
Look at the chart below to see how
choice opportunities were presented throughout Maggie’s school
day.
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CHOICE OPTIONS
FOR MAGGIE AT SCHOOL
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MAGGIE'S
ROUTINE
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CHOICE OPTIONS
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| Arrival |
Who: Walk in
with mom or aide
When: Early enough to eat breakfast at school or later when
breakfast is over |
| Morning Academics |
Between Activities:
Spelling or reading
Materials: Write words or say them aloud
Who: Work with paraprofessional or peer
Where: Sit at table or on bean bag |
| Snack Time |
Materials:
Juice or water
Termination: Quit before or after juice is all gone
Who: Sit beside Jeff or Suzy
Where: Sit on chair or therapy ball |
| Free Time |
Between: Puzzles
or computer
Materials: Animal or butterfly puzzle
Refusal: Free to participate or not
Who: With Jeff or Maria
Where: Do activity on floor or table |
| Art Class |
Materials:
Blue or red paper
Who: Work alone or with teacher
Where: At round table or rectangular table |
| Departure |
Who: Walk out
with friend or teacher
Where: Leave through the gym doors or front door |
How Do I Provide Choice Opportunities
During Community Activities?
Community outings are great places
to implement choice-making skills. Just remember to take a few minutes
and think ahead about the choice opportunities that will be available
in each setting.
Listed below are just a few places/events
in the community that would provide many choice-making opportunities.
- grocery store
- local library
- sporting event
- fast food restaurants
Choice-making in the community is very
important. It provides individuals with free time to do what THEY want
to do.
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