Switch-Accessible Play

In a previous blog post, we looked at how to include a switch based activity as an integral part of carousel play activities each week.  By ensuring that educators understand the development of play with switch-accessible toys and appliances, from the earliest level of noticing and responding to sensory stimuli to children using two switches to turn appliances on and off with understanding, these activities can be adjusted within the classroom to provide opportunities for learning at a range of levels.

Ensuring that switch-based activities are provided regularly and that all educators know how to adjust the activities for each pupil, the skills of each individual can be developed systematically over time.  Offering switch based activities as an integral part of carousel play means that children have daily opportunities to develop these skills as a natural part of classroom activities.

Learning Circle 1: Responding to sensory stimuli

For pupils working at the earliest levels of development, switch based activities often provide large sensory effects. Children working at this level may not be at the point of pressing the switch themselves but educators can use these resources to provide sensory stimuli for the pupil to notice and begin to respond to.

Learning Circle 2 and 3: Developing an Understanding of Cause and Effect

Children working within learning circle 2 are beginning to actively explore their environment but have not yet developed an understanding of cause and effect. As they move into learning circle 3, their understanding of cause and effect becomes secure and they can demonstrate this in a range of different contexts and in a variety of ways. Opportunities for pupils working in these two learning circles are similar.

Learning Circle 4: Solving Problems

At this level, pupils have a good understanding of cause and effect and can demonstrate this within a wide range of different activities and using different actions. For these pupils, educators can extend their learning in switch-accessible activities by offering more than one switch and providing opportunities for problem-solving.

All educators (your teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, volunteers) have to use the resources creatively to support each pupil to learn and develop through playful interactions and by following their lead. Educators must observe, respond, play and interact themselves to make the resources and activities meaningful, motivating and fun for each pupil.

You will likely see similar activities reappear in future planning posts. This is because pupils benefit from repetition. If pupils really enjoyed and showed active participation in a particular activity, do not be afraid to incorporate it into planning the following week to extend their learning.

Team Meeting

Introduce the idea of using switch-accessible activities as part of carousel play to your team. Pick an activity you set up in your classroom and ask them:

1. How could you use these resources with different pupils working at different levels to ensure the ‘just right’ challenge?

2. What could the pupils learn and how could they develop?

3. Do all adults know how to adjust switch settings or alter the position of the switch to ensure activities are appropriate for each pupil?

If you are enjoying our content, The Springboard Curriculum is available to buy here as an immediate digital download. You can follow the link to view sample pages before you buy. The reason we decided to share our work? To allow educators to use their time creatively to maximise play and tailor the learning activities to the strengths and challenges of each pupil.

£1 of every sale goes to the school’s charity to give back to the educators and pupils who inspired the curriculum.