We spend a lot of time working one-on-one with our clients, so we get to know them pretty well. We know the things they love, the things they like doing, and get a pretty good idea about the things they don't like!
All the work we do with our clients is based not only on information regarding which areas they need additional support in but also on what they are interested in. What things do they love? And we use those interests to motivate them to engage with us and our activities.
Once you have this information, Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is easy to embed into daily routines and activities.
NET involves using the natural environment to teach and practice skills that are valuable and meaningful to the individual. It can aid generalisation and allow for natural reinforcement in different contexts.
When a skill is identified, it can be practised, prompted, shaped, and reinforced in that environment until it becomes a learned skill, almost becoming a habit! Less support will be needed and independence will increase.
Some examples of where NET can occur:
- ordering a coffee
- morning face wash/cleanse/exfoliate/moisturise
- sorting recycling objects from the house
- making a shopping list
- putting clothes away
- booking a movie ticket online and collecting
- online shopping ordering
- and the list goes on!
Have you utilised NET in your work to increase independence and allow for generalisation and maintenance?
0%Yep! It is natural.
0%No, not yet.
0%Haven't thought about it before, but will now!