As educators, one of the most important goals when working with children with special educational needs is to foster their autonomy. Developing skills that allow them to be independent in their daily lives not only gives them more confidence, but also prepares them to successfully face challenges outside the classroom. However, fostering this autonomy is not always easy, and requires a structured approach, with activities specifically designed to promote this independence in a progressive and positive way.

Today I want to share some integration activities that you can implement in the classroom to help your students develop their autonomy. Each of them is designed to be inclusive, allowing all children, regardless of their abilities, to participate and learn at their own pace. These activities can also be complemented with tools such as the VICON Method, which uses video and music to reinforce learning through repetition and interaction.

1. Structured daily tasks

One of the most effective ways to encourage autonomy is to assign simple daily tasks that children can complete independently. For example, you can assign each child a classroom task, such as handing out materials, organizing books, or helping to clean up. The goal is to get children used to taking on responsibilities and feeling like an active part of the classroom environment.

VICON Tip: Use VICON Method videos to teach these tasks in a visual and fun way so that children clearly understand what is expected of them and can follow the step-by-step instructions.

2. Visual routines

Children with special educational needs respond very well to predictable routines, as they provide structure and security. Using visual boards with images of different activities throughout the day will help them anticipate what is coming next and become more organised. By seeing what activity is coming next, children can learn to move from one task to another independently.

VICON Tip: Complement these visual routines with interactive VICON Method activities that reinforce the sequence and order in which the activities should be performed.

3. Role-playing games

Role-playing is a great way to work on autonomy in a playful context. Create everyday situations, such as shopping, preparing food or getting dressed, and let children take on different roles. Through these games, children can practice social, communication and problem-solving skills in a safe and controlled environment.

VICON Tip: Use the VICON Method modeling video to show children examples of these everyday situations, so that they have a clear reference of how to act in different contexts.

4. The corner of autonomy

Create a space in the classroom where children can solve problems on their own. For example, you can have materials organized on shelves that are easy to access so children can choose what they need. You can also include a board with activity options so they can decide which one they want to do. This type of activity promotes decision-making and personal initiative.

VICON Tip: Introduce small goals through VICON’s interactive video resources, allowing them to learn to choose between options in a visual and entertaining way.

5. Peer conflict resolution

Encouraging autonomy also means that children can learn to resolve small conflicts on their own. You can design activities where conflict situations occur and ask children to offer solutions. This not only teaches them to manage their emotions, but also prepares them to deal with conflicts independently in the future.

VICON Tip: Use VICON Method videos to show examples of conflict resolution, helping children visualize how they can deal with problems in their daily lives.

6. Practical activities of daily living

Spend time in the classroom teaching practical skills that children will need in their everyday lives. Activities such as tying shoes, organizing belongings, or preparing a simple snack are essential to fostering independence. Organize these activities as small workshops within the school day.

VICON Tip: Through VICON's video modeling methodology, children can see and follow visual instructions on how to perform these tasks in a clear and accessible way.

7. Daily decision making

Encourage autonomy by allowing children to participate in classroom decision-making. From choosing which activity to do first to voting on which game to play, allowing them to make decisions empowers them and gives them a sense of control over their environment.

VICON Tip: Use the VICON Method to help children understand the consequences of their choices by showing them the results of different decisions through videos.

8. Guided sensory activities

For some children with special educational needs, sensory activities can be key to helping them regulate and feel more autonomous in their body and environment. From manipulating materials such as play dough or sand, to using tools such as sensory brushing, these types of activities help children become self-aware and feel more secure.

VICON Tip : Implement sensory activities that can be visually guided with VICON Method videos, which will allow children to follow instructions while exploring different textures and stimuli.

Conclusion

Fostering autonomy in children with special educational needs is an ongoing process, but with the right strategies and tools like the VICON Method, it is possible to create an environment that supports their independent development. These practical activities will not only help your students become more autonomous, but will also provide them with the necessary tools to face new challenges, both inside and outside the classroom.

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