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Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction What are the Steps of Floor Time?

While initially it may appear that the adult is simply playing on the floor with the child, there actually are five crucial steps to the Floor Time intervention process.

Five Steps in Floor Time

Step 1: Observation

Watch and listen to the child. Careful observation can help you determine the child’s mood and style. Look for cues to how the child is feeling by noticing facial expressions, posture, activity level, gestures, tone of voice. Be sensitive to the child’s current state of emotions so that you know how best to approach the child with sensitivity and the right amount of enthusiasm!

Step 2: Approach-Open Circles of Communication

After you have observed the mood and style of the child, it’s time to approach the child at his/her level with developmentally appropriate words and gestures. The circle of communication is opened when you approach the child, and in effect, enter his/her world by building on the child’s interests at that moment.

Step 3: Follow the Child’s Lead

Now that the circle has been opened, let the child set the tone and lead the activity. Support and assist the child through your facial expressions and actions, but don’t tell them what to do. Indicate to the child, through your enthusiastic willingness to play in the child’s own style, that you have a connection and that it is a joyous experience. Let the child direct any dramatic play. Join in!

Step 4: Extend and Expand Play

Now that you are following the child’s lead, you can begin expanding on play themes with supportive and empathetic comments–without being intrusive. Take on a role, or pretend that a toy is talking and has emotions. Help problem solve. Wonder what might happen next. Expand, motivate, and spark interest, but remember that the child is in charge.

Step 5: Child Closes the Circle of Communication

When the child builds on what you have done and said by doing and saying something in return, a circle is closed. Circles are opened and closed throughout the interaction in a continuous flow as you and the child communicate.

 

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