How to play

Before beginning, allow your student to help prep the pages if they enjoy it. As you prep, or before you begin, review each symbol page and the hiding pieces with your student to make sure they know what they are, especially if you're introducing new holiday terms.

Then, when your student is out of the room, lay out the full page symbol cards and hide two or three smaller pieces beneath them. 

Using errorless learning, show your student how to find the hidden pieces. For example, if you are beginning with color clues, tell your student, "I've hidden the pot of gold under a green shape. (While pointing at the green shape) Here is a green shape, watch me look underneath it. WHOA! There's a pot of gold! How about that green shape? (Point at other green shape) Do you want to look under that one?"

Once your student understands how to play the game like my son does here, you can play it different ways. Use color, shape, personal preferences (which shape is the same as your lovebug toy?), and order (look under the one that is last).

Notice how long it takes my son to select the correct card. Over time, I've learned that he often has a 10- to 30-second delay before answering. That's quick compared to his peers! Give your student plenty of time to learn the game and develop the motor planning required to play.

I allowed my student to exchange these pots of gold for real money he was able to spend at the store. Games are even more fun when the prizes are tangible.

Some students might enjoy giggling or doing something dramatically silly when mom points to the correct card and turns it over to reveal the answer. That kind of accessible communication is an excellent way to support motor dysfunction while allowing the student to show mastery in their own way.

ENJOY!