It is important to teach skills to children with Autism. One of the most common methods is repetition. While this is effective, there is another way to consider. Learning through play.
When I was in the third grade, I can remember learning multiplication. Although we were taught to just memorize them and take paper tests, there was one method of learning that I will never forget. We learned through play.
Our teacher would ask who wanted to go first. We all eagerly raised our hands, hoping to be chosen. That student would go to the first desk next to the door. The student at the desk would stand up. The two would brace for the multiplication puzzle to be yelled out.
“3 times 3” would echo in the air. Whichever student answered first would move on to the next desk. The other would sit down in anticipation of the next round. It was a human board game. We loved every minute of that game. Everyone would giggle at the end as we scurried back to our seats from sitting out of order.
Even though I remembered the memorization of my times tables, it was the game I remember the most. To be honest, it was also a motivation to learn them. Perhaps the next time I could play the game better prepared.
It’s the same with our kids. If we extract the most essential step, we can teach safety skills. For example, my son loves to play chase. I know that I can instill the designated safe place, so that he learns about the particular spot he must go to for everything.
If the tree in the front yard is always base, then he will learn that the tree is the place to go to each time. We can play chase/tag, Hot Beans for Supper (whichever name you call this game), or hide and seek with the same base to be safe.
Likewise, if the association that the tree is base, then maybe he will know to go there in a fire. A place in the basement for a tornado. Even under a shelter in a hailstorm.
Learning through play can be a powerful tool to use in teaching the skills for safety. The games offer consistency and familiarity. Maybe it can offer a point of hope and a little peace of mind.
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