A developmental framework for the use of objects of reference
Keith Park (1997)
- INDEX
Comprises part of the activity
These provide 'functional' or 'object' cues
Appropriate for pre-intentional communication
- ICON
Identical object
Partial/associated object
object with a shared feature
- Symbol
Related to the things they stand for in an arbitrary way
What can an object of reference represent?
...activities
...places
...people
...time
...qualifiers
Should objects of reference be standardised?
... places need to be standardised across the school
...activities can have objects varied from pupil to pupil
but must be consistent for each individual
...personal objects of reference need to be consistent where used
How should they be used?
...presenting the object of reference alongside and as a backup to verbal communication
...encourage looking and/or tactile exploration with both hands
...present object before moving to the related place/activity
...allow /encourage pupil to hold the object whilst moving to /waiting for activity as an aide-memoire
Use regularly and consistently!
With whom?
...pupils who are visually impaired or have problems intepreting photographs or symbols and whrere the understanding if spoken language is problematic.