Describe how teachers can create peer-initiation interventions for children with delays or disabilities. What types of peers should teachers look for to serve in this role? What are some strategies for setting up the learning environment?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Teachers should select peers who are typically developing and have the following characteristics: highly social with little to no negative interactions with others, good attention spans, attend school regularly, good comprehension skills, and a willingness to participate in special play groups with children. After selecting such peers, teachers should instruct these peers on how to interact with children with delays or disabilities. She or he may show them how to say certain things such as "Hey, let's play school, and you be the teacher." Most important is that teachers structure the play environment and/or play sessions. For example, for peers to play school, the teacher may supply pencils and papers and books to use for their play session. The teacher should then use prompts to the peers about types of behaviors they should initiate. This could be things such as making suggestions, complimenting other students, or modeling certain behaviors.