VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 2
Gentle Tap. With a gentle tap place your hand under theirs and gently tap
the palm of their hand as you start moving forward. In this motion you are inviting
them to move with you. If that doesn't work, offer a cue at the elbow.
Cue at Elbow. While using one hand to provide a gentle tap under their
hand, use your other hand to prompt at their elbow, encouraging them to reach
forward with you. Finally, if these methods of invitation do not work, try what I
call a little tug.
Gentle Tug. Place your hand under theirs and gently place your thumb on
top of their hand so that you can "tug" their hand forward to let them know what
you want them to do, their hand to move forward with yours. This is gentle and
short. Always quickly release the "tug" so they continue to have freedom and a
right to choose to join. With practice and time this invitation becomes natural and
fluid.
Complete
Once a child has been invited to join an activity, you are ready to complete
the activity, with or without the student. This is the point that builds trust and
encourages authentic participation. After an invitation, if a student chooses to join
you GREAT, it is time to complete the activity with their hand on top of yours! If
not, complete the activity, or a small part of the activity on your own. Accepting
that they are not ready to join you communicates mutual respect, which builds
