As adults we use environmental cues almost all the time. The lights and signals on our car change, traffic light turns green, an appliance makes a sound. Our hands become dirty, both in feeling and sight, so we wash them. The traffic gets busy, we hear noises, the temperature increases, we make adjustments. We constantly use our physical surroundings to helps us understand things, present past and to help us predict next steps or actions. Some children don’t easily recognise these cues or the meaning of them. This is especially true for small children in school environments who do not understand cues for transition between locations, times, events or activities. It is important that we find ways to help develop this important skill in children and we can find ways to help a child respond better to environmental cues.
Here are 8 ways to help a child respond better to environmental cues:
- Align environmental cues to the ability children have to respond. For example, use auditory cues for children who cannot read well and visual cues for children with hearing challenges.
- Encourage children to ask questions about cues they due not understand.
- Include supporting and secondary information to assist children to respond effectively. For example, When you see me walking towards the classroom the bell is soon to ring to end recess.
- Help children become responsible for identifying environmental cues for both themselves and peers. For example, describing rules, discussing bell times and instructions.
- Provide environmental cues for children that are universal. For example, symbols for danger, gender symbols, arrows and signals.
- Create an environment where children are required to follow establish environmental cues. For example, clear rules, signals and reminders.
- Assist children in responding to environmental cues just one at a time. In order of importance, prioritise key cues so that success is achieved before moving on to more complex cues.
- When children ask for meanings of environmental cues, commend and reinforce the behaviour.
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