Activity 4-3:.
This One's 
Just for You

Purpose: In this activity, participants will use The Planning Web to tailor activities to match the backgrounds, skills, needs, and interests of individual children.

Outcomes:
Participants plan activities that reflect children's different backgrounds, needs, interests, skills, and abilities.

Participants individualize activities so that children with different skill levels and abilities can participate and experience success.

Materials:
Chart paper, markers, tape
Completed Ongoing Child Study (Handouts 2, 8, 9, and 12)
Handout 18: The Planning Web

Trainer Preparation Notes:

When you schedule the session for Activity 4-3, ask participants to bring the results of their Ongoing Child Study with them.

1. Explain to participants that this activity will focus on using The Planning Web to design an activity (or routine) tailored to meet the needs of the children who were the focus of each Ongoing Child Study.

2. Review the different sections of the Ongoing Child Study. As you discuss each part, invite participants to share what they learned about each child and how they used the information. Make sure participants maintain confidentiality regarding any personal information about the child and the family.

A. Introduction: Information about the child's environment (family, neighborhood, community, culture), health and nutrition, and examples of the child's skills in the four developmental domains

B. Observation Summary: Notes about the child collected through observations and plans for using the information

C. Are the Toys, Materials, and Equipment Appropriate?:Summary of toys, materials, and equipment used by the child and suggested items to offer in response to the child's background, needs, skills, and interests

D.Is the Schedule Appropriate for This Child?: Summary of the child's activities and assessment of the need for changes to make the schedule more flexible, balanced, and supportive of growth and development

E. Self-Help Skills: Summary of how the child uses self-help skills during typical routines and strategies for increasing these skills

3. Distribute Handout 18: The Planning Web and review how it is used to plan activities that meet several goals and reflect individual backgrounds, skills, interests, and needs of a small group of children.

Trainer Preparation Notes:

If participants work with several age groups, ask them to form groups with others whose child study focuses on a child in a similar age range.
 
4. Have participants divide into small groups. Give each group chart paper and markers. Each group will use The Planning Web technique to design an activity or routine and tailor it to meet the needs of each of the children who were the focus of their child studies. The groups should record their webs on the chart paper.

5. Ask the small groups to post their webs where others can see them. Allow enough time for participants to review each other's plans.

6. Have the small groups present their webs. Each group member should describe his or her child and discuss how the group used information collected through the Ongoing Child Study to set individual goals and determine what materials would enhance this child's involvement and development. Offer to provide additional copies of The Planning Web so participants can use it in their programs.

7. Suggest to participants these follow-up activities:

· Share the results of the Ongoing Child Study with colleagues and with the child's parents and plan strategies for encouraging the child's development at the center, at home, and/or during a group socialization session.

· Use the Ongoing Child Study handouts to get to know other children with whom you work. This would be a useful method for getting to know a child with disabilities, a child with limited English skills, or a child who is new to the program.