Planning and making lists

Right, that's it, no more procrastinating........ it's time to get with the program.... again!  

I am reading RDI, I am thinking RDI, I am talking RDI.......... and as soon as I get my list together... we will get back to doing RDI!!  

For sure, I can implement RDI during the day, however, I find that I am a lot more focused if I know what I want to do, how I am going to do it and what my expectations are. At this stage of my RDI journey I still need to create a written framework for each activity that I wish to do with Nick. I need to write down the chosen activity, my role and Nick's role within that activity, I need to establish the boundaries and also make note of any external factors that may be distracting and that need to be removed! 

I am capable of doing all of the above without completing a written plan, however, (and I repeat!!) I remain more focused if I have written down my objectives and stick to them! I have also decided to put together (a relaxed and flexible!!) daily schedule, to enable me to look at what I am doing during the day and how I can include Nick! 

The most important point of any objective is to remember that any activity/interaction we do together must be about 'US' not about the task itself! My child is very task orientated, however, his biggest problem is building relationships; and this is what I want to focus on! (of course there are many other issues, but I am not going to address them in this post!).

I am also building up a list of 'stuff' to do with Nick.  He is a tricky child - he doesn't play, he has never played, he lacks the intrinsic desire (polite way of saying no imagination!!!) to play. As you can imagine that makes life a little more difficult! What do you do with a kid who doesn't play?? As you will see, my list includes many household activities...... I am going to be squeezing some play stuff in there as I go along! :)

 

Interaction ideas (and these are just basic starting points!)

Walking together, stopping, starting, walking fast/slow, running

Making noises: Nick is beginning to imitate sounds so I am going to make the most of it!
Clapping games: the boy is not good at this so we will start out slowly; ie: high fiving!

Trampoline: I bounce, Nick bounces (if I can get him on it!!!!!)

Swinging: I swing, Nick swings. We swing together.

Gardening: I cut a twig, Nick puts it in a box. 

Stacking the dishwasher: Taking out the plates/cutlery. Putting in the plates/cutlery

Collecting the newspaper/mail: This will be about the walking – not the collection of the paper.

Eating/giving food:  I will place one chip/piece of apple on the table, Nick will put in the bowl.

Brushing hair:  I will do one stroke of his hair and then give the brush to Nick, for him to then brush.

Bath time: I wash Nick's leg, he then washes his leg (or whatever!). I pour water, he pours water....

Hand tower:  Nick doesn't understand this concept. I will place my hand on top of his, only once! (it's a start!)

Grocery shopping: I hand Nick an item, he puts it in the trolley/on the conveyor belt. I hand him a bag, he puts it in the car! I unpack at home and pass Nick an item, he can put it in the cupboard.

Laundry: I pass Nick an item of clothing, he puts it in the washing machine.

Books: He holds the book, I turn the pages. I hold the book, he turns the pages.

I could carry on and on................ but it is bed time!  The following video clip is just for fun, please excuse the camera man..... he is a bit wobbly and the quality of the film is not the best!