Leading
Activities

Therapeutic Benefits of Activity Programming

• Teaches skills
• Improves self-esteem
• Develops pro-social skills
• Helps promote positive behavior

Guidelines for Effective Planning

• Prepare in advance
• Have back-up plans
• Provide for choice
• “Premack” the activity
• Consider the timing of activities
• Plan for special needs
• Plan for the prevention of challenging behaviors
• Provide consistency and structure

Steps for Leading a Planned Activity

1. Open
   • Transition into the activity.
     (Move individual(s) smoothly into the activity.)
   • Gain the individuals’ attention.
     (Make sure individual(s) are paying attention and properly positioned to see and hear staff’s instruction.)
   • Introduce activity and provide a rationale.
     (Give a purpose or benefit of the activity.)
2. Conduct
   • Provide instruction and/or demonstration.
     (Explain and/or show how to participate, as needed.)
   • Check for understanding.
     (Make sure individual(s) know what they are to do.)
   • OPTIONAL: Identify the “Premack.”
     (Motivate individual(s) by informing or reminding of a preferred upcoming activity.)
   • Use attention to promote positive behaviors.
     (Attends to positive behaviors by acknowledging the behavior, using praise, and engaging in positive interactions with the individual.)

   Note: "Conduct" steps can be performed more than once and/or in any order. 

3. Close
   • Transition out of the activity.
     (Move individual(s) smoothly out of the activity.)