A cue or task direction is the “bridge” used to help the toddler identify the target stimulus and then engage in the target skill or behavior.
The following types of cues may be selected depending on the skills of the individual toddler:
Material or environmental manipulation can be used as cues or task direction by setting up the materials before the toddler comes to the activity. An example of environmental manipulation is when a EI provider or parent might place a toy on the rug prior to a play routine. Another example could be placing a small amount of a desired food on a plate in front of the toddler while placing a closed container with more of the desired food further away from the toddler.
A task direction is when you tell the toddler specific or giving the toddler a visual cue. For example, the EI provider or parent might say “All gone” or sign “All done” and then point to an empty bowl.
An example of a naturally occuring event is when a toddler sees a parent opening the cabinet to get food for snack, and then opening the refrigerator to get juice. Another example would be the parent turning on the faucet to fill up the bathtub.
EXAMPLE
A parent wants their toddler to ask for more cereal at breakfast table.
IIdentifying the Activity, Target Stimulus, Cue or Task Direction |
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Discrete skill: "Use one word utterance to request 3 favorite objects or food" |
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Word used: |
Activity (or Routine) |
Target Stimulus |
Cue or Task Direction |
“Truck” |
Play on floor |
Preferred toy out of reach (truck) |
“Let’s play.” |
“Boat” |
Bath Time |
Preferred toy out of reach (boat) |
“Time to play in tub.” |
“Apple” |
Snack |
Favorite snack out of reach (apple) |
“Snack all gone” |
Chained task as an activity: Washing hands prior to meals |
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Target Stimulus: “First wash hands, then eat.” |
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Chained Task Target Skill |
Cue or Task Direction |
Climbs steps of step stool |
Adult walks to the sink and says “Time to wash hands” |
Turns palms up |
Adult picks up soap dispenser, shows toddler and says, “Get soap” |
Rubs hands together |
Adult puts down soap dispenser and says “Rub hands” |
Puts hands under running water |
Adult turns on faucet and says “Rinse hands” |
Gets towel and rubs hands on towel to dry |
Adult turns off faucet and says “Dry hands” |
Throws towel in trash can |
Adult says “Put in trash” or “All Done” |