Definition: Incidental teaching is a method of instruction that uses opportunities arising in a child's daily life to create teaching moments.
Goal: To teach children to initiate communication by leveraging their self-motivation.
Key Steps in Incidental Teaching
1. Create an Engaging Setting
Objective: Tempt the child into initiating an interaction.
Methods:
Place favorite toys out of reach or in inaccessible containers.
Offer only small portions of favorite snacks.
Engage in "sabotage" (e.g., remove batteries from toys, unplug the TV).
Wait for requests for help during self-care activities.
2. Wait for the Child to Initiate
Objective: Encourage the child to start interaction.
Example: Before giving a toy or food, wait for the child to request it (e.g., "I want apple").
Strategy: Do not anticipate the child's needs; wait for them to communicate.
3. Prompt the Child for a Fuller Request
Objective: Utilize the child's engagement to teach more complex communication.
Method: Gradually increase complexity in requests:
Accept simple signs initially (e.g., for bubbles).
Progress to more complex requests (e.g., "more bubbles").
Combine verbal requests with signs.
4. Provide the Desired Outcome
Objective: Reinforce the child's effort to communicate.
Method:
After a more elaborate request, give the desired item.
Provide outcomes in a way that maximizes teaching opportunities:
Example: Give only one candy at a time and wait for another request.
Offer partial help (e.g., with one shoe) to encourage further requests.
Summary
Incidental teaching effectively teaches children to initiate communication by creating engaging environments, waiting for them to initiate interactions, prompting for elaboration, and providing outcomes. This approach leverages self-motivation to foster communication skills.