Using TEACCH at Home:
Equipment, Procedures, & Suggestions

Equipment Needed:

1.  Small table or 16-inch box with one side cut out to form a desk. Top with light-colored or white paper so items can be seen when put on the table and there is no distraction from table covering.

2.  Small chair with back support and one that enables the child's feet to touch the floor. If feet don't reach the floor, support them with books, etc.

3.  Special toys. Keep these in small boxes or plastic baskets, one or two tasks in each basket. Use these toys only for teaching sessions at first so they will continue to arouse the child's interest.

4.  An empty box or plastic basket to put completed tasks into.

5.  Reinforcers such as tiny bits of food treats, special toys or activities to reward the child for work. Anything the child likes can be used as a reinforcer.

Procedures and Suggestions:
 
1.  Pick a time for the session when the child is happy, rested and free from stress.

2.  Have the teaching session in the same place each time; a special place that is not typically a play area.

3.  Try to make it a fun, relaxed time for the child and discontinue the session before he or she becomes frustrated or tired. Postpone teaching if the child is ill or the grown-up is tired.

4.  Time the session. Initially, the child may be able to concentrate only three to five minutes, but gradually increase the amount of time spent as he or she tolerates it. Keep the total time around 20-30 minutes per session. You don't need to complete each task at every session.

5.  Try to isolate the concept you want the child to learn. Make it really clear.

6.  If one person is doing the majority of the teaching, it will be helpful to have someone else occasionally work through the tasks with the child. This will help the child generalize these skills to other situations.

7.  As the child acquires new skills, encourage  him or her to use them throughout the day in a variety of settings. Many skills can be practices in ordinary, day-to-day activities.

8.  Keep language quiet, slow and simple. Limit phrases to one, two or three words when expecting comprehension.

9.  The child needs to know that you won't give up and go away. They need to know that they must follow directions and that they won't get out of it until they do it right. Make the praise worth the effort. Keep the session moving.
 

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All rights reserved. Updated November 2, 1999. Homeschooling Kids With Disabilities https://www.members.tripod.com/~Maaja/index.html