This activity has been revised and was originally created by Charlotte Cushman and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
Many cognitive concepts that develop naturally in most children must be specifically taught to children with visual impairments and other disabilities. One fundamental concept is cause and effect. This activity demonstrates cause and effect, helping children gain a sense of control over their environment. Lessons include Concept Development and English Language Arts.
- A variety of toys, musical instruments and objects that produce a given result when manipulated
- Items with on/off switches (radio, MP3 player, blender, light, fan, etc.)
- Adaptive electronic switches
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Help the student to manipulate some of the following toys:
- Squeaky toys
- Music boxes
- Rattles and shakers
- Busy boxes
- Pop-up toys
- Reinforce their efforts by talking about what is happening: “Good, you made the bell ring!” or “I’m going to turn on the radio. Can you turn it off?”
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Keep in mind the age-appropriateness of the materials being used. For older students try turning on and off the following:
- A radio
- A light
- A fan
- A faucet
- A blender
- Electronic switches can be hooked up to activate many battery-operated devices by the performance of simple movements. For example, by lightly tapping a designated switch, a child can turn on an MP3 player. Similarly, specialized switches exist that allow a child with limited mobility to turn on a radio by keeping her head in an upright position. Performing simple actions to activate a reinforcer is an excellent way to teach the concept of cause and effect.
In order to reinforce the concept of cause and effect, try attaching small bells to a student’s wrist or ankle. These will ring as she moves naturally.
Hint: Help the student to manipulate objects in the environment that produce notable results, for example, turning on an MP3 player or radio.
