Description
Are you ready to create meaningful moments of connection and learning for the young autistic children you support? Joint Activity Routines (JARs) are the foundation of teaching in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), providing a structured yet flexible framework for fostering engagement, communication, and social learning in a way that aligns with a child's individual interests and motivation. This 57-minute course will provide professionals with a practical approach to developing JARs, supporting shared attention, positive affect, and reciprocal interactions. Participants will explore the 4-part framework for structuring JARs, learn the difference between 'people play' and routines and play with objects, and discover effective strategies to embed learning opportunities into natural interactions.
Many providers struggle with structuring play-based learning opportunities, often unsure how to balance spontaneity with intentional teaching. Through real-world video examples, participants will see JARs in action- from setup to implementation- gaining actionable tools to create child-centered, interactive, and developmentally meaningful experiences that promote social learning and communication growth.
Learning Objectives
1. Describe the role of JARs in the ESDM and explain how they serve as a foundation for fostering engagement, communication, and social learning.
2. Review the 4-part framework for structuring JARs to create meaningful, child-centered learning opportunities that balance spontaneity with intentional teaching.
3. Differentiate between object-focused and sensory-social JARs and embed learning opportunities within each type of routine.
