• Find a comfortable, quiet space for your child to attend sessions
  • Practice preparing the space together by tidying the space before session
     
• Take time with your child to figure out what is motivating before session starts
  • This can be a toy, snack, game, activity, etc.
  • Use motivating items during session to give your child praise for participating and being independent
     
• Help your child get into the routine of gathering materials for session before it begins
  • Start this process about 15 minutes before session, or adjust timing if it takes longer
  • Make a list using words or pictures, and allow your child to mark off materials as they are gathered, using a checkmark or sticker
     
• Create a schedule together, putting activities such as: (1) tidy space (2) gather materials for session (3) virtual session (4) play time
  • Build breaks into the schedule
     
• Teach your child how to ask for help
  • Make a “help” visual card that can remind your child when he is working independently and needs help
  • Practice asking for help before the session, like in play or during meals
  • Give your child a cue when he needs help such as telling him to raise his hand, or showing him what that looks like
     
• Give your child choice (e.g., choosing the computer or tablet for session)
   
• Allow your child to turn on the device and set it up
   
• Use a visual timer to show your child how much time is left in the session
  • A timer could also show when a break begins and ends
     
• Create distance between you and your child, and help as little as possible

Overall, have fun!

PDF Format of Achieving Independence in Virtual Sessions