WEBSITE ACTIVITIES DIANE K. ELLIS AAC CONSULTANT ...

(Appendix A – "Structuring the Learning Environment")
1. Structured Teaching Strategies: The focus of these types of structured
teaching strategies target the "antecedents" of a student's behavioral
challenges. Visual structure is provided through visual organization, visual
clarity and visual instruction. Visual clarity could include color coding, tape,
and picture/word labeling. The use of library book pockets, folders, cardboard
dividers and file trays are examples of visual organization strategies. Visual
Instruction can be given with picture/word cues cards, break cards, foot
prints on the floor and arrows.
• Physical Structure – use visual cues, minimize distractions and structure
the learning environment to promote independence. There are many ways
to structure the environment including the use of colored tape to mark
areas, shapes/marks on the floor to designate where to stand/sit, move
furniture to set up distraction free work areas, use colors/printed words to
label and structure work tasks.
• Picture/Word Schedules – supports receptive language skills and are used
to visually tell students when activities occur, to aid in transitions and to
establish routines. Schedules can be objects, pictures -photos or colored
symbols or written.