Planning - The Bucket
Attention Autism - The Bucket
Attention Autism is a highly motivating, fun approach developed by Gina Davies at The Autism Centre. Gina runs lots of training throughout the UK and worldwide so check out her Facebook Page or website if you want to find out more about her approach. We refer to Attention Autism as The Bucket because we have found that it is a very effective approach for all children, not just those with Autism.
We have observed that The Bucket is not just for developing attention and communication skills. During The Bucket, stages 1, 2 and 3, pupils might show evidence for learning in any of the core curriculum areas; cognition, communication, physical and sensory and personal, social and emotional development. In Chapter 5 of The Springboard Curriculum we discuss effective learning and development, we share photos and examples of learning in each of the core curriculum areas, discuss setting measurable and meaningful goals and share case studies and learning journeys of real pupils.
It is not an exhaustive list, but the following Developmental Markers are observations we frequently make. The Developmental Markers are a small sample taken from The Springboard Curriculum: Assessment Framework which will be available to buy now.
Cognition
Responds to visual stimuli
Tracks moving objects
Anticipates repetitively presented stimuli
Looks between 2 items
Shows curiosity in relation to novel events and activities presented by others
Remembers familiar games and activities and initiates these
Understands and uses number names appropriately
Communication
Attends to dominant stimuli
Demonstrates an understanding of the sequence of activities within daily routines
Imitates others communication
Responds to interactions initiated by others
Requests for more of highly motivating activity
Begins to communicate for things that are out of reach
Uses a vocabulary of 50 words using sign, symbol or spoken language
Takes turns during structured games with peers
Physical & Sensory Development
Actively participates in gross motor/ movement activities
Aims for, reaches and grasps objects
Participates in standing transfers with support
Sits on a chair independently and safely for longer periods of time
Begins to use powered mobility
Grades movements to act on a stationary object
Uses both hands together with control and coordination
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Is alert for brief periods during the day
Maintains arousal during play
Wears personalised aids and equipment that facilitate their access to learning
Uses communication skills to control the environment
Develops sense of self
Behavioural response is proportionate to the demands or experience of the environment
Behaviour indicates the development of self-regulation
Team Meeting
Ask staff to observe the pupils during your next Attention Autism: The Bucket session, to see if they show evidence for learning in any of the core curriculum areas; cognition; communication; physical and sensory development; personal social and emotional development. Use the Developmental Marker examples we have shared to support your teams’ thinking.
Film a session and watch it back to observe pupil engagement and learning. Don’t forget that it might be small but it will be significant!
The Springboard Curriculum: Assessment Framework
The key to successful development is to recognise and build upon the unique characteristics and capabilities of each individual child. The Springboard Curriculum: Assessment Framework provides over 900 detailed and in-depth descriptions of how learning develops from a pupil reacting and responding to experiences in their environment to initiating engagement and actively participating.
If you are enjoying our content, The Springboard Curriculum is available to buy here as an immediate digital download. You can follow the link to view sample pages before you buy. The reason we decided to share our work? To allow educators to use their time creatively to maximise play and tailor the learning activities to the strengths and challenges of each pupil.
£1 of every sale goes to the school’s charity to give back to the educators and pupils who inspired the curriculum.
