Strategy
Agent Action
Discuss the functions and traits of familiar elements in a child's environment.
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.
Object functions are an important part of learning about objects. Knowing the function of an object enables students to use objects correctly. It also provides the foundation for classification skills and organization. This activity will help students to verbalize the action a familiar item performs. Lessons include Concept Development, English Language Arts and Independent Living Skills.
None required, although it may be helpful for students to examine various objects or listen to appropriate sound recordings to identify what different things do
Tell a short story about a given topic, such as a trip to the farm. Ask the students to fill in the blanks to tell what various animals do:
- Dog _____(barks)
- Cow_____(moos)
- Pig______(oinks)
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Rooster____(crows)
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Try other categories, such as the beach, or the kitchen. Think about including some of the following:
- Oven____(bakes)
- Clock____(ticks)
- Bell_____(rings)
- Airplane____(flies)
- Scissors_____(cut)
- Wind_____(blows)
- Grass_____(grows)
- Sun_____(shines)
- Fish_____(swim)
- Tell the student the action performed and have her tell you what it does. For example, “What barks?”
- Keep in mind that students may offer different but still correct answers, like: a clock tells time.
Hint: Discuss the function of items which students encounter throughout the day.
