Identifying which games each child likes is an essential element in setting up an individualized rehabilitation intervention that aims to promote the acquisition of specific skills in a motivating and enjoyable context. HOW TO IDENTIFY CHILDREN’S PREFERENCES

In most cases it is possible to identify a child’s preferences simply by asking him what his favorite games are and asking specific questions about the types of games they like. However, it must be borne in mind that often, in the context of developmental disabilities, it is not possible to conduct an “interview” on game preferences directly with the child, think for example of an autistic child with communication difficulties.

In the context of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), various procedures have been proposed that make it possible to directly investigate children’s preferences.

How to evaluate preferences?

Indirect assessments : involve the use of standardized interviews or checklists that are offered to caregivers . Such interviews usually involve a series of specific questions that investigate all types of play and the time the child devotes to each activity.

Direct evaluation : they consist in the systematic presentation of different games directly to the child. In this case, the child’s preference (ie the game the child chooses) and the duration of the interaction with the game (how long the child plays) are recorded.

It is important to choose the preference assessment procedure based on the child’s competences: for example, an assessment with more than one choice can be used only if the child has learned the ability to choose otherwise single choice assessment can be used ( proposing to the child one game at a time).

In the event that it is necessary to carry out a preference assessment for a child who shows difficulty in sitting or cooperating with the requests posed by the adult, it is possible to use another evaluation method, called Free Operant (Roane et al., 2008): in this case some games are placed in the room, the child can approach the games he prefers. In this case it is possible to detect the time in which the child interacts with each game and therefore have a first indication of which is or which are the activities he prefers (among those available).

Practical tips for carrying out the preference assessment

• Propose different types of games : sound and visual games, manipulation activities, constructions, movement games, symbolic play sets …
• Prepare a card to record the data collected during the assessment with the child,
• Repeat the evaluation of preferences several times, proposing the same activities: this allows for more solid data regarding the activities that the child likes. However, it is important to consider that preferences can change quickly, which is why it is often useful to monitor preferences, also proposing new activities.

Knowing the preferences of children allows you to create a motivating context in which the child can learn new skills while having fun.

Each educational activity should start from the analysis of the child’s preferences, starting from which it is then possible to gradually introduce variations in the games and activities and use the favorite games and activities as rewards and gratifications.

Some ideas for you

Movement games : balance and movement are two very important aspects for the physical development of the child. It is through movement that children develop a sense of coordination and learn to observe the world around them.

Symbolic game : through the symbolic game the child will imitate a person or situation living at home and with acute observation the educator will be able to grasp any inconvenience and problems.

Boxed games : we suggest those from Ludattica. All Made in Italy, eco-sustainable and of quality. For Ludattica, quality means working on details: choice of the best materials, attention to content, refinement of illustrations and great attention to finishing and manufacturing as a whole. Ludattica games respect nature because they are made with ecological and non-toxic components. Waste of material is avoided and the production chain is committed to optimizing the processing cycles efficiently.

Puzzles and joints:  puzzles for children are not only a game, but also an aid to teach letters and numbers, and stimulate the 5 senses. The work of identifying the shape to be inserted, in fact, develops the manual-visual association and refines fine motor skills.

Books : in this section you will find a wide selection of books for children up to 6 years, all different from each other for the shape, the material and the stories told. For the little ones, buy books that are soft to the touch and easy to wash. Inside they have large capital letters written in capital letters and are ideal for learning their first words or allowing children to practice reading.

Musical instruments : music is a universal experience that manifests itself in different ways and genres, all of equal dignity, full of emotions and rich in cultural traditions. The child, interacting with the sound passage, develops his own cognitive and relational abilities, learns to perceive, listen, search, discriminate sounds within meaningful learning contexts. Explore your own sound-expressive and symbolic-representative possibilities, increasing confidence in your own potential.