What is Structured Teaching?. Structured teaching is an approach to help individuals with autism...

What is Structured Teaching?

Structured teaching is an approach to help individuals with autism understand their environment and daily activities using their visual mode, which is usually their strongest modality.

Elements of Structured Teaching

Physical StructureIndividual ScheduleWork SystemsVisual Structure of Tasks

Physical Structure

• Schedules

• Self Directed Choice

• Independent Work Areas

• Group Areas

• Direct Instruction Areas

• Sensory Safe Spot

Self Directed Choice

This is an area to provide structure to recreation / leisure activities.

Independent Work

Students work completely independently

Work is completed from left to right

A definite beginning and end to individual work tasks as well as the independent work session

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmxsh3e3qW4&list=PLA03A14F517751DC6

Independent Work Area

In this area, students will complete pre-taught tasks completely independently.

Group Area

This is simply a small group area for calendar, social stories, any activity you would do with a small group of students. It could be a table or a carpet area.

Group

Social StoriesNews 2 YouCalendarPreparation for alterations in the

daily schedule (assembly, safety drills, games)

Direct Instruction Area

Direct Instruction

During direct instruction students are taught one on one their tasks that eventually will be in their independent work areas.

All activities are taught from left to right with a definite beginning and end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2WfSrU-QRg

Sensory Safe Spot

Schedule

When considering physical structure, schedules can be placed throughout the room. Areas should be labeled with both pictures and words.

Schedules should be placed in individual areas based on students abilities.

Some students have schedules posted on the wall, while others carry their schedules with them.

Individual Schedules

Each student schedule is based on their ability and communication level.

Object schedules http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0nNeDtxD5c

PECS schedule http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1PsBgNE858&playnext=1&list=PL4637CDA828AA3BD0

List schedule

Agenda schedule

Schedules

More Schedules

Work Systems

Visual Structure of Tasks

Tasks should have a definite beginning and end

Tasks should have visual directions, whether text, PECS, pictures, or objects.

Tasks should be organized visually

Visual Structure of Tasks

SLP Role

Development of Schedules

Teaching meaning of PECS or Objects in schedule

Development of Social Stories

Running Social Groups and development of content for social groups

Structured Teaching encompasses all aspects of a student’s program (speech, language, OT, PT, Reading, Writing, Math, Social, Self Help)

Conclusion

Structured teaching practices can be implemented for almost all students.

Remember, this is extremely individualized.

If I can help in any way, please let me know.

kcruz@usd210.org