Visible But Unreachable

Using the child’s highly preferred toys, foods, and objects, place each item in a clear plastic bag or container and hang the container/bag so the child can see it but cannot reach it. The student needs to initiate communication in order to obtain the item.

This is a strategy for initiating spontaneous language by placing a highly preferred object in sight of the student, but not easily attainable without involving communication with an adult. For example, the teacher knows that the computer is a student’s favorite activity. She takes the mouse and hangs it on a hook above the computer and out of his reach. She waits for him to say something before she gives him the mouse.

• Child's Age: 3-5, 6-10, 11-13, 14-17, 18+
• Planning Effort: Low
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Child’s ability to discriminate between objects

1. Assess the child’s interests.

2. Place highly preferred item(s) in a clear container or plastic bag. Hang the item(s) within the child’s eyesight but out of his reach.

3. When the child initiates by pointing, reaching or saying a word(s), give him the requested item.