Communication Goals
Increase Vocabulary
- Use 40 different words/phrases for expressing emotions.
- Identify and name 20 different animals.
- Use a variety of adjectives to describe objects (e.g., big, small, cold, hot).
- Name common household items correctly.
- Use action words (verbs) in sentences.
- Name body parts when prompted.
- Use words to describe quantity (e.g., more, less).
- Recognize and name primary colors.
- Identify and name simple shapes.
- Use words related to positional concepts (e.g., over, under, beside).
Enhance Non-Verbal Communication
- Use gestures to indicate ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
- Communicate needs through facial expressions.
- Utilize sign language for basic needs (e.g., more, eat, drink).
- Respond to non-verbal cues from others.
- Use a communication board effectively.
- Point to objects or pictures in a book when named.
- Utilize a visual schedule to anticipate daily activities.
- Use eye-gazing to indicate choices.
- Respond to visual cues in the environment.
- Use body language to express feelings.
Improve Articulation
- Correctly pronounce blends (e.g., st-, sp-, cr-).
- Use appropriate voice volume in different settings.
- Correctly articulate ending sounds in words.
- Practice clear speech in sentences.
- Correctly pronounce vowel sounds.
- Use appropriate pitch and intonation patterns.
- Correctly articulate multisyllabic words.
- Practice fluency in speech.
- Correct misarticulations in conversational speech.
- Engage in articulation drills for targeted sounds.
Develop Conversational Skills
- Initiate a conversation with a peer.
- Stay on topic for at least 3 turns.
- Use appropriate conversation openers and closers.
- Ask relevant questions in a conversation.
- Respond to questions with relevant information.
- Take turns in a conversation without interrupting.
- Show interest in others’ conversations through nodding or verbal acknowledgment.
- Use appropriate facial expressions during conversations.
- Recognize and repair breakdowns in communication.
- Engage in role-play to practice conversational skills.
Expand Expressive Language
- Describe a recent event or experience.
- Use conjunctions (e.g., and, but, because) in sentences.
- Narrate a simple story or sequence of events.
- Ask for help or clarification when needed.
- Express wants and needs using complex sentences.
- Use language for different purposes (e.g., greeting, informing, requesting).
- Correctly use past, present, and future tenses.
- Describe the function of common objects.
- Use descriptive phrases in sentences.
- Express opinions and preferences.
Enhance Receptive Language
- Follow multi-step directions.
- Understand age-appropriate jokes or riddles.
- Distinguish between similar sounding words (e.g., cat/hat).
- Comprehend opposites and synonyms.
- Follow classroom instructions.
- Understand terms related to time (e.g., today, tomorrow, yesterday).
- Recognize category names and related items (e.g., animals, foods).
- Understand spatial concepts (e.g., in, on, under).
- Identify the main idea in a simple story.
- Follow oral directions to complete a task.
Improve Phonological Awareness
- Rhyme words.
- Segment syllables in words.
- Blend sounds to make words.
- Identify the last sound in words.
- Differentiate between long and short vowel sounds.
- Identify the number of sounds in a word.
- Match words with the same initial sounds.
- Recognize words that start with the same sound.
- Identify words that do not belong in a group based on sound.
- Participate in phonological awareness games and activities.
Increase Use of Pronouns
- Correctly use possessive pronouns (e.g., my, your, their).
- Distinguish between subject and object pronouns.
- Use reflexive pronouns appropriately (e.g., myself, yourself).
- Correctly use indefinite pronouns (e.g., anyone, everyone).
- Use pronouns consistently in conversation.
- Correct errors in pronoun usage spontaneously.
- Identify pronouns in stories or texts.
- Use gender-specific pronouns correctly.
- Understand and use plural pronouns.
- Practice pronoun substitution in sentences.
Social Skills Goals
Improve Eye Contact
- Use eye contact to gain attention before communicating.
- Maintain eye contact for a comfortable duration during conversations.
- Use eye contact to express interest and engagement.
- Practice eye contact in different social settings (e.g., classroom, playground).
- Combine eye contact with smiles and other facial expressions.
- Use eye contact in response to one’s name being called.
- Understand and respect others’ comfort levels regarding eye contact.
- Initiate eye contact when asking for help or clarification.
- Use eye contact to acknowledge understanding.
- Recognize when it’s appropriate to break eye contact.
Develop Joint Attention
- Use pointing or other gestures to share interests.
- Show objects of interest to peers or adults.
- Engage in shared book reading, focusing on the same page.
- Participate in joint play, like building a puzzle together.
- Follow peers’ gaze or pointing to shared objects of interest.
- Demonstrate interest in peers’ activities.
- Participate in turn-taking games that require joint attention.
- Use verbal cues to direct others’ attention.
- Share reactions to events or objects with others.
- Engage in activities that require monitoring and responding to others’ actions.
Enhance Group Participation
- Follow group rules during activities.
- Engage in classroom group discussions.
- Take turns speaking in group settings.
- Show interest in group activities through verbal or non-verbal means.
- Offer ideas or suggestions in group tasks.
- Respect others’ contributions in group settings.
- Participate in group decision-making processes.
- Engage in cooperative learning activities in the classroom.
- Show willingness to compromise in group activities.
- Recognize and respect the roles of others in a group.
Increase Sharing Skills
- Offer toys or materials to peers without being asked.
- Understand the concept of taking turns.
- Share favorite toys or materials during playtime.
- Participate in activities that require sharing, like board games.
- Use polite language when asking for a turn.
- Handle frustrations calmly when waiting for a turn.
- Celebrate peers’ successes during shared activities.
- Offer help to peers using shared materials.
- Understand and respect the concept of personal property.
- Demonstrate patience while waiting for shared items.
Develop Empathy
- Identify and label emotions in oneself and others.
- Show concern for a peer who is upset.
- Offer comfort or help to someone in distress.
- Recognize when someone is happy and respond positively.
- Talk about feelings and how actions affect others.
- Understand and respect different perspectives.
- Use role-playing to practice responding to others’ emotions.
- Recognize facial expressions and tone of voice that indicate emotions.
- Discuss scenarios and appropriate empathetic responses.
- Celebrate peers’ achievements and share in their happiness.
Improve Understanding of Social Cues
- Interpret facial expressions accurately.
- Recognize tone of voice cues (e.g., happy, sad, angry).
- Understand and respond to body language.
- Recognize personal space boundaries.
- Adapt behavior based on social feedback.
- Interpret social cues in various settings (e.g., classroom, playground).
- Use context to understand social interactions.
- Notice and respond to changes in others’ behavior.
- Understand implicit social rules and norms.
- Adjust responses based on social cues and environment.
Enhance Cooperative Play Skills
- Engage in role-playing games with peers.
- Participate in team sports or group physical activities.
- Work together with peers on a shared project.
- Practice problem-solving in group play.
- Celebrate successes in cooperative games.
- Negotiate and compromise during play.
- Follow shared plans and strategies in games.
- Respect peers’ ideas and suggestions during play.
- Participate in creative group activities (e.g., art projects).
- Show leadership skills in directing cooperative play.
Increase Appropriate Greetings
- Use polite phrases (e.g., please, thank you) in social interactions.
- Initiate greetings in different social contexts (e.g., school, community).
- Respond to greetings from adults and peers.
- Use different greetings for different times of the day.
- Understand and use culturally appropriate greetings.
- Recognize when to use formal vs. informal greetings.
- Engage in small talk following greetings.
- Use farewells appropriately in different situations.
- Introduce oneself and others in social settings.
- Combine verbal greetings with appropriate gestures (e.g., waving, handshakes).
Self-Care Skills Goals
Enhance Eating Skills
- Hold and use a spoon or fork correctly.
- Chew food thoroughly before swallowing.
- Drink from a cup without spilling.
- Wipe mouth with a napkin after eating.
- Sit at the table for the duration of a meal.
- Try new foods without negative behaviors.
- Serve oneself food from a communal dish.
- Clear own plate after meals.
- Participate in simple meal preparations.
- Understand basic table manners (e.g., not talking with food in mouth).
Improve Dressing Skills
- Select appropriate clothing for the weather.
- Put on socks and shoes independently.
- Fasten snaps and hooks on clothing.
- Dress and undress without assistance.
- Hang up or put away clothes after use.
- Choose outfits independently.
- Adjust clothing for comfort and appropriateness.
- Use a zipper on jackets or pants.
- Identify front and back of clothing.
- Fold and organize clothing.
Develop Grooming Skills
- Comb or brush hair independently.
- Wash hands effectively.
- Blow nose and dispose of tissues properly.
- Trim fingernails with assistance.
- Apply sunscreen or lotion with minimal help.
- Take a shower or bath with supervision.
- Identify and use personal hygiene products correctly.
- Use tissues or handkerchiefs appropriately.
- Recognize the need for increased hygiene during illness.
- Keep personal grooming items organized.
Enhance Bathroom Independence
- Use toilet paper properly.
- Flush the toilet after use.
- Wash hands thoroughly after toileting.
- Recognize the urge to use the bathroom and respond in time.
- Manage clothing independently during toileting.
- Use a step stool if necessary for reaching the toilet.
- Keep the bathroom tidy after use.
- Report any bathroom accidents without shame or fear.
- Understand the importance of privacy in the bathroom.
- Follow a bathroom routine before bedtime.
Improve Sleeping Habits
- Choose and wear appropriate sleepwear.
- Use a comfort object for sleep if needed (e.g., blanket, stuffed animal).
- Fall asleep without excessive adult intervention.
- Remain in bed until an appropriate time in the morning.
- Use calming techniques for bedtime (e.g., deep breathing, reading).
- Participate in quiet activities before bedtime.
- Understand the importance of sleep for health.
- Keep the sleeping area organized and conducive to sleep.
- Transition from a crib to a bed successfully.
- Use a nightlight if afraid of the dark.
Enhance Safety Awareness
- Recognize and avoid common household hazards (e.g., sharp objects, electrical outlets).
- Understand the importance of adult supervision in certain situations.
- Identify and follow emergency procedures (e.g., fire drill).
- Use crosswalks and understand basic pedestrian safety.
- Recognize the importance of wearing protective gear (e.g., helmets).
- Know personal information for emergency situations (e.g., parent’s name, home address).
- Understand the dangers of talking to or going with strangers.
- Practice water safety skills with supervision.
- Identify safe and unsafe substances in the home (e.g., medicine, chemicals).
- Understand and follow rules related to personal safety in public places.
Behavioral Goals
Decrease Aggressive Behaviors
- Use words to express frustration instead of physical actions.
- Seek adult help when feeling the urge to hit or bite.
- Participate in activities that promote sharing and empathy.
- Recognize and communicate triggers for aggressive behavior.
- Engage in calming activities when feeling agitated.
- Practice positive interactions with peers in structured settings.
- Respond to conflicts with non-physical solutions.
- Demonstrate appropriate ways to express anger.
- Learn and follow rules about physical safety.
- Recognize the consequences of aggressive behavior.
Increase Task Completion
- Follow through on simple chores or responsibilities.
- Complete academic tasks within a given timeframe.
- Stay focused on an activity without getting distracted.
- Break tasks into smaller steps to encourage completion.
- Reward small achievements in task completion.
- Use visual schedules to track task progress.
- Engage in tasks without requiring constant adult supervision.
- Complete personal care routines independently.
- Participate in group tasks without deviating from the objective.
- Develop a routine to check and review completed tasks.
Enhance Emotional Identification
- Use a chart to identify and express emotions daily.
- Recognize and describe emotions in others.
- Discuss events and the emotions they elicit.
- Link physical sensations with emotional states (e.g., butterflies in stomach when nervous).
- Use art or play to express complex emotions.
- Read stories and identify characters’ emotions.
- Role-play scenarios to explore different feelings.
- Discuss the appropriateness of emotions in various situations.
- Identify coping strategies for different emotional states.
- Practice expressing emotions through facial expressions and body language.
Improve Coping Strategies
- Identify personal relaxation techniques (e.g., listening to music, drawing).
- Use positive self-talk during challenging situations.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation techniques.
- Engage in physical activities to release tension.
- Develop a ‘calm down’ kit with preferred soothing items.
- Seek adult assistance when feeling overwhelmed.
- Role-play responses to stressful scenarios.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
- Create a personal space for relaxation and reflection.
- Use problem-solving skills to address sources of distress.
Decrease Elopement
- Understand and respect boundaries set by adults.
- Practice staying in a designated area during activities.
- Use a timer to understand the duration of activities.
- Develop a signal or phrase to use when wanting to leave an area.
- Reward staying in the area for progressively longer periods.
- Discuss the importance of safety related to staying put.
- Engage in preferred activities that encourage staying in one place.
- Identify emotions or situations that trigger elopement.
- Learn and practice alternative responses to the urge to elope.
- Implement a safety plan for when the urge to elope occurs.
Increase Positive Social Interactions
- Practice greeting peers and adults positively.
- Engage in cooperative games that require teamwork.
- Share and take turns with peers during play.
- Participate in group activities and contribute positively.
- Show interest in peers’ activities and join respectfully.
- Compliment or praise peers for their achievements.
- Resolve conflicts using words and peaceful strategies.
- Show empathy and understanding towards peers.
- Participate in role-playing to practice positive social behaviors.
- Recognize and respect personal space and boundaries.
Academic Skills Goals
Improve Letter Recognition
- Match uppercase letters to their lowercase counterparts.
- Recognize letters in different fonts and contexts.
- Arrange letters alphabetically.
- Identify the initial letters in familiar words.
- Recognize letters in personal name.
- Practice tracing and writing both uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Identify letters associated with specific sounds.
- Play letter recognition games.
- Recognize letters in environmental print (e.g., signs, labels).
- Use technology-based programs to reinforce letter recognition.
Enhance Number Skills
- Recognize and write numbers up to 20.
- Understand the concept of quantity associated with numbers.
- Identify numbers in out-of-order sequence.
- Count objects by touching each one (one-to-one correspondence).
- Practice simple addition and subtraction with objects.
- Understand the concept of more and less.
- Use number lines to understand number sequence.
- Identify numbers in everyday contexts (e.g., phone numbers, addresses).
- Engage in number recognition games.
- Practice counting backward from 10.
Develop Color and Shape Recognition
- Sort objects by color and shape.
- Identify secondary colors (e.g., purple, orange, green).
- Recognize shapes in different orientations and sizes.
- Draw and label basic shapes.
- Use shapes to create simple patterns.
- Identify colors and shapes in the environment.
- Understand the concept of mixing colors (primary to secondary).
- Match shapes with real-world objects (e.g., circle with a clock).
- Participate in activities that involve color and shape classification.
- Use color and shape terms in daily conversations.
Increase Following Directions
- Execute classroom routines based on verbal instructions.
- Perform simple tasks following written directions.
- Participate in games that require following directions (e.g., Simon Says).
- Follow directions involving prepositions (e.g., on, under, beside).
- Execute tasks requiring sequential steps.
- Respond to directions involving opposites (e.g., stop/go, up/down).
- Complete classroom assignments by following a set of instructions.
- Practice directions that require decision-making.
- Engage in activities that combine listening and action (e.g., dance routines).
- Follow multi-step directions in group activities.
Improve Fine Motor Skills
- Practice handwriting skills.
- Use play dough to strengthen hand muscles.
- Engage in beading or threading activities.
- Use tweezers for picking up small objects.
- Practice cutting along lines and shapes with safety scissors.
- Assemble small blocks or Legos.
- Participate in finger painting and other tactile activities.
- Trace shapes, letters, and numbers.
- Button and unbutton clothing during dressing practice.
- Engage in age-appropriate drawing and coloring activities.
Enhance Attention and Focus
- Participate in quiet reading or listening activities.
- Engage in tasks without interruption until completion.
- Practice mindfulness activities suitable for children.
- Participate in memory games and activities.
- Stay seated during circle time or structured learning.
- Engage in activities that require concentration (e.g., building a model).
- Follow through on instructions without being distracted.
- Practice listening without interrupting.
- Participate in individual tasks that require sustained attention.
- Use organizational tools to aid in task management (e.g., visual schedules).