What’s a fun and engaging way to play “Show and Tell” with a child during a telehealth session?

What’s a fun and engaging way to play “Show and Tell” with a child during a telehealth session?

Playing “Show and Tell” with a child during a telehealth session can be a fun and engaging activity. Here are some steps to facilitate a successful “Show and Tell” experience:

1. Explain the Activity: Start by explaining the concept of “Show and Tell” to the child, particularly if they are unfamiliar with it. Let them know that they can choose an item or object to show and talk about during the session.
2. Set Expectations: Clearly communicate the guidelines and expectations for the activity. Let the child know how much time they have to share, how they can describe the item, and any specific questions or prompts you would like them to address.
3. Select an Item: Encourage the child to choose an item from their environment that is meaningful to them or has a story behind it. It could be a toy, a book, a drawing, a souvenir, or anything else that holds significance.
4. Share and Describe: Once the child has chosen their item, ask them to hold it up to the camera or show it clearly on-screen. Give them the opportunity to describe the item, including its appearance, purpose, significance, or any special memories associated with it.
5. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Engage the child in a conversation by asking open-ended questions about the item they are sharing. Encourage them to provide more details, express their feelings, or expand on their experiences related to the item. This helps foster communication, self-expression, and storytelling.
6. Active Listening and Responding: Show genuine interest and active listening as the child shares their item. Provide positive feedback, ask follow-up questions, and validate their experiences. This creates a supportive and engaging environment for the child.
7. Encourage Interaction: Depending on the platform’s capabilities, you can also encourage other participants, such as family members or peers, to ask questions or share their thoughts about the item. This promotes social interaction and can enhance the child’s communication skills.
8. Reflect and Summarise: After the child has shared their item, take a moment to reflect on their presentation. Summarize the key points they discussed and highlight any noteworthy aspects. This reinforces active listening and allows the child to feel heard and acknowledged.

Remember to create a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where the child feels comfortable sharing. Adapt the activity to suit the child’s age, developmental stage, and therapeutic goals. Parental involvement and support during “Show and Tell” can also contribute to a positive experience for the child.

Leanne Hopkins is an Occupational Therapist at Succeed Healthcare Solutions and is passionate about creating a world where families thrive. If you or someone you know is interested in undertaking therapy via telehealth with a team trained and experienced in telehealth for several years, please contact us and arrange a free 15-minute Discovery Interview to see how we can assist.