Environment
Keep the atmosphere calm and quiet. All rules should be enforced in the same way. Hang few objects from the ceiling and on the walls.
Developing Language
- For children who are not talking: Begin with simple story books. Touch an object and name it. Be sure to use real objects. For example: desk, table, chair etc.
- For children who use single words: Slowly expand the child’s vocabulary. Talk with the child on his/her level. Use short sentences.
- For children who have poor articulation: Be sure to use proper pronunciation because you are a role model. Touch objects around the room and name them. Then have the child do the same. A speech therapist would be a good resource for you and the child.
- Other language development skills: At lunch, ask the child what he/she wants instead of assuming you know what the child wants.
- Use music to initiate the expansion of his/her vocabulary.
Math Skills
- When a child counts from one to ten it does not mean that he/she understands the numbers. Teach the child one number at a time. For example: “please hand one pencil to me.”
- Touch objects and count them. For example: one pencil, two pencils, three pencils…
Alphabet
- Match letters
- Match words
- Use words with the same letter sounds repeatedly. For example: cat, cap, cut…
- Write letter on the chalkboard or a piece of paper. Then have the child trace the letter.
- Make a letter out of dots and then have the child connect them
Sensory Integration can help you teach a concept.
To teach the color green:
- wear the color green
- use green paper
- take green jello to class
- use green paints, markers, or crayons
To teach the concept of a circle:
- Use slices of pepperoni
- Make round cookies using a cookie cutter
- Use the wheel of a toy car
Hyperactive
- Many children with FAS/FAE are hyperactive. A good way to manage hyperactivity is to keep a structured environment.
- When it is time to play, give the child two or three choices of toys. Be sure to allow the child plenty of time to make a choice.
- It is important to have the child sit in a chair rather the floor. The chair gives the child a designated area. This keeps him/her from moving around and changing positions frequently.
Tantrums
If a child throws a tantrum remove the child from that room. Talk to the child in a calm voice. The teacher must be relaxed and calm so that the child will become relaxed. Try to determine what caused the tantrum, and find a way to reduce the chances of the tantrum happening again. It is important that the teacher explains to the child that it is o.k. to say “I’m mad.”
Getting Along With Others
Teach the child that toys, crayons, and other objects used in the classroom need to be shared with the other children. Teach other friendship skills. This can be done using puppets.
Eye Hand Coordination
Toys can be used to increase eye hand coordination skills. Puzzles, toys with knobs, even lacing shoe strings can be used.
Increase Attention Span
When a child quits working on an activity, ask the child to try it one more time. This will slowly increase their attention span.
Expectations: Kathy Paxton