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 Structure Individual Schedule Work Systems Visual 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 Stories News 2 You Calendar Preparation 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&playn ext=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