Choice making allows a learner to express their wants and needs, have an influence over the things they do, and learn that choices have consequences.

Familiar objects

• To begin, start with 2 familiar objects to choose from, e.g. 2 toys, 2 fruits, 2 books.
• Make sure the 2 objects contrast well with the surface they are presented on.
• It helps if one of the objects is highly preferred (this will reduce random choices).
• Give time to look, to process and to respond to the objects.
• Once a choice is made, remove the other object and give the learner child to explore their chosen object.
• Make a note of consistent choices.

Next steps: Photos of familiar objects

• Once the learner is making consistent choices using familiar objects, you can replace them with photos of the actual objects instead.
• If the learner is consistently making choices using the actual photos of objects, you may want to explore using symbols instead.

Contact your Advisory Teacher for additional advice and support.