Therapy Tip of the Month: Errorless Learning
Errorless learning refers to teaching procedures that are designed in such a way that the learner does not make mistakes as he or she learns new skills. How we apply this in speech therapy is by building on existing skills until we reach a final goal.
As we work with children, we are constantly trying to find the balance between challenging children and providing enough positive reinforcement to maintain motivation. Activities should be challenging, but achievable. One of the fastest ways to turn children off of speech learning or learning in general, is by making activities too difficult. Children are always proud of themselves when they know they have done a good job at a challenging activity.
Even as adults, we do not respond well when we are asked to complete tasks that are outside of our ability level. Remember when working with your children to always ask them to do something they CAN do as opposed to something that they can’t.
