![]() ![]() So if your learner presses “outside,” they get to go outside, and when they press “play,” they get to play with you. Your soundboard buttons should be rewarded with only the associated event or object. Start by training your learner to place their nose, paw, or claw on a nonsense sound button, small yogurt lid, or sticky note.Īvoid using actual word buttons when target training, unless you can follow through with the button’s meaning. How can I start target training?įor target training, you reward hitting the target with a treat. It can be helpful in teaching your learner that the buttons are important to pay attention to. Target training is teaching your learner to touch a predetermined object. As a result, we recommend target training for learners who struggle with precision or are reluctant to interact with buttons. Many of our learners did not practice target training and remained successful. However, moving them may sometimes be unavoidable, so don’t worry - our learners are typically resilient and will bounce back, but it takes time and patience. Keep in mind that if more buttons are added later, moving them around or putting them together can cause setbacks for your learner. You might also start with an OUTSIDE button by the door or a WATER button by the water bowl. Start brainstorming locations in the house that are easily accessible and where you and your family spend a lot of time. Others find it easier when buttons are in one consolidated location. Some learners absorb best when buttons are near the object or interaction they associate it with. Step 3: Brainstorm where to set up buttons This helps your learner associate the word with a specific object or event. If you say “Let’s go OUTSIDE,” try to not let too much time pass before you head out the door. b) Practicing timelinessįollow up with the object, action, or event word in a timely manner. Here, Joelle Andres (Bastian’s Mom) shows us the best ways to talk to our learner and why it’s best to keep things simple and clear when using language to interact and respond to our animals. If you notice your learner trying to tell you something through whining, pawing, sitting, or looking at you, try responding to them! You don’t have to give in to their requests for treats, but they’re trying to get your attention, so get in the habit of acknowledging and honoring their “language.” This builds mutual trust and good communication habits. Honor your learner’s current communicative behavior.Jot down the words you notice yourself using often so you can refer to them later.Pay attention to the words or phrases that are frequently used and highly motivating to your learner. ![]() These are the words you’ll likely start with for button teaching. They already recognize the words you speak the most. Maybe you know that saying PARK will get your learner overexcited, so you’ve started spelling P-A-R-K out loud instead. Maybe they expect-or demand-walks after dinner by waiting at the door, or they wake you up at 5 AM for sleepy cuddles. You’re probably already familiar with your learner’s quirks. We use CAPITALIZED LETTERS in our curriculum to specify the meaning or concept.įor example, you may have the word "Baño", which is the concept BATHROOM. The word/phrase is the sound produced by the button when it's pressed, and the meaning/concept is your actual definition of the word. TerminologyĪ learner is any non-human individual you are teaching (or going to teach) how to use button communication. While the idea may sound daunting, anyone and any learner is capable (though our fish friends might have a harder time). Our curriculum will guide you through the rest. Yes! Remember that believing in your learner’s potential is the first step. Some have not only been able to communicate needs and wants, but also seem to relay more abstract concepts such as feelings or time. With time and patience, learners have been incredibly successful. Through pressing buttons of pre-programmed speech sounds or words, animal learners can share their requests, thoughts, and feelings. ![]()
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