Step 1.4 Choose the cue or task direction

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.

Choosing a Cue or Task Direction

The following types of cues may be selected depending on the skills of the individual toddler:

MATERIAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL MANIPULATION

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.

TASK DIRECTION

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.

NATURALLY OCCURING EVENT

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.

  • The target stimulus is no more cereal in the toddler's bowl.
  • The cue is saying, “All gone”

IIdentifying the Activity, Target Stimulus, Cue or Task Direction

Discrete skill: "Use one word utterance to request 3 favorite objects or food"
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

Target Stimulus: “First wash hands, then eat.”
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”