Play goals are an essential part of many Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They are integral to a child’s development, and, for many young students, they are the key to success. However, if a student’s Least Restrictive Environment is virtual learning, figuring out the best way to address play IEP goals virtually can be challenging.
Whether you are new to play goals in IEPs or a veteran at addressing them, distance learning creates a unique set of circumstances that few teachers are prepared to navigate. Thankfully, there are some practical ways to help students meet their play goals, even while teaching online.
As always, you know your students and their families best, so take the ideas and run with the ones that are most appropriate for them. There are many ways to help students virtually, but the best way is the one that works for them.
When a student will not benefit from in-person teaching and their LRE is a virtual environment, families need to be involved more than ever. Ask your students’ families to have a variety of play materials on hand that their children can work with throughout the day.
Blocks, simple board games, books, and simple manipulatives are a great start as they give students materials to manipulate. When meeting one-on-one with students and their adults, bring out the same materials to work on together.
Work together with students to complete a puzzle or build a castle. Have them describe where you should put the pieces to complete the task accurately.
There are virtual games and puzzles that you can use to achieve this instead of using board games or actual puzzles.
Take turns making up dance moves or have students mimic the dance moves as you do. It is a great way to work on increasing attention and following simple directions.
Dancing is also a lot of fun and is sure to make your students smile and laugh.
If possible, distribute activity kits – like IEP Work Bins – to your students at the beginning of the school year. They can include things like blocks, flashcards, play dough, and more.
Not only does it break down the access barrier for families who may not be able to purchase their own manipulatives, but it creates consistency in what your students have available to work with.
Presenting everything in a plastic tub or container also ensures that materials are kept together. But if you don’t have access to plastic bins or tubs, you can always make your own easily and for a lot less than what the bins may cost.
When it is time to work on the play IEP goals, students and families can quickly find the materials they need to complete the 1-1 activities.
Addressing play IEP goals during distance learning is not ideal, but for some students it may be the best LRE. Having patience, a healthy dose of creativity, and the right virtual learning accommodations can go a long way towards making sure your students are hitting the goals they need to reach during this unusual time.
Keep in mind that your data you collect may not be as comprehensive due to the nature of the instruction, but in working with parents to collect data and your small amounts of data can help keep your students on track.
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