What is Active Engagement?

Active engagement techniques can greatly benefit children like Susie, a 6-year-old who struggles with communication and attention. Here’s how you can effectively apply active engagement with your child:

1. Discover her interests: Take the time to understand Susie’s preferences and hobbies, whether it’s cars, dinosaurs, or something else entirely. This knowledge will help you design activities that she finds enjoyable and will be more motivated to participate in.
2. Incorporate her interests: Create activities that involve her favorite subjects. For instance, set up a scavenger hunt where Susie searches for dinosaur toys around the room and names them when she finds them. Alternatively, play a game where she matches cars to their colors or names.
3. Use positive language: Keep Susie engaged and motivated by using positive language during activities. Offer praise and encouragement, such as saying, “Fantastic job, Susie! You found a T-Rex! Can you tell me what color it is?” or “Wow, Susie! You matched the red car to the red block perfectly! You’re doing amazing!”
4. Utilize visual aids: Enhance Susie’s understanding and focus by incorporating visual aids like pictures or drawings. These visuals will assist her in comprehending instructions and staying actively engaged.
5. Allow for breaks: If Susie starts to lose interest or becomes distracted, it’s beneficial to provide short breaks before returning to the activity. This strategy helps her maintain focus and engagement over longer periods.

Active engagement is a powerful technique for supporting children’s learning and skill development.