How do I teach my learner to match? A few ideas!
Programming ideas for teaching the first stages of visual behavior
Matching can be a tough skill to teach! Introducing picture-to-picture matching in small arrays OR 3D-to-3D item matching might not be enough for a learner as they can struggle identifying the salient features. 3D items that fit together consist of tactile features that set them apart from other, non-fitting identical items. Below is a list of possible phases for introducing matching*.
Phase 1: Learner matches one identical solo cup with another solo cup by stacking them together in an array of 1.
Phase 2: Learner matches one identical solo cup with another solo cup by stacking them together in an array of 2—extra item is a block.
Phase 3: Learner matches one identical solo cup with another solo cup by stacking them together in an array of 3, extra items are block and blank index card.
Phase 4: Learner matches one identical plastic bowl with another plastic bowl by stacking them together in an array of 4—extra items are solo cup, block, blank index card.
Phase 5: Learner matches one identical spoon with another spoon by stacking them together in an array of 5—extra items are solo cup, plastic bowl, block, and blank index card.
Phase 6: Learner matches one identical block with identical block by stacking in an array of 5—extra items are solo cup, plastic bowl, spoon, blank index card.
Phase 7: Learner matches one blank identical index card with another blank index card by putting one on top of the other in an array of 5—extra items are solo cup, plastic bowl, spoon, block.
Phase 8: Learner matches one black identical index card (or similar) with another black index card by putting one on top of the other in an array of 6—extra items are solo cup, plastic bowl, spoon, block, and blank index card.
Phase 9: Learner matches one index card with a smiley face (or similar) with another index card with a smiley face by putting one on top of the other in an array of 7—extra items are solo cup, plastic bowl, spoon, block, black index card, and blank index card.
The next phases should include more elaborate markings/pictures on the index cards to the point that its safe to begin having the child match VERY CLEAR 2D, photographs. The index cards function as the first stages of teaching photo-photo matching.
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