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Writer's pictureMarissa Choong Sze Yin

What to Say and How to Say it: Giving Your Child Feedback When Using Interactive Toys for Motor Disability Development


Interactive toys are invaluable tools for the motor development of children with disabilities. It is a way of carrying out physiotherapy at home!


Providing the right feedback during playtime while they use these toys can significantly enhance their progress and confidence. Here are four key areas to focus on when giving feedback, incorporating concepts like bandwidth feedback, discovery learning, and managing dependency on feedback.




1. Positive Reinforcement with Bandwidth Feedback


Positive reinforcement is a powerful way to motivate and encourage your child. One effective approach is to use bandwidth feedback. This involves giving feedback only when your child's performance falls outside a predetermined acceptable range. This method allows your child to receive praise and acknowledgment for their successes without becoming overly reliant on constant feedback.


For instance, if your child successfully completes a task with the toy within the acceptable range, acknowledge their effort with words like, "Great job! You did it!" This type of feedback helps build their confidence and encourages them to keep trying. The key is to set clear performance criteria that are realistic and achievable for your child's current level. As they improve, gradually narrow the bandwidth to encourage continuous progress.

Using bandwidth feedback ensures that your child doesn't become dependent on constant validation. Instead, they learn to gauge their performance and develop self-assessment skills, which are crucial for long-term growth and independence.



2. Constructive Criticism and Managing Dependency on Feedback


While positive reinforcement is crucial, constructive criticism is also necessary for growth. However, it's important to be mindful of your child's dependency on feedback. To avoid this, gradually reduce the amount of corrective feedback as they improve, encouraging them to become more self-reliant.


Constructive criticism should be specific, gentle, and focused on what can be improved and how. For example, instead of saying, "You’re doing it wrong," try, "You did well, but next time, try moving your hand a bit slower." This approach helps your child understand what needs to be adjusted without feeling discouraged. It also teaches them to reflect on their actions and make necessary corrections independently.


Balancing constructive criticism with praise for effort, rather than just outcomes, is essential. This helps your child develop resilience and a growth mindset. Over time, they will learn to appreciate the learning process itself, not just the end results, and will be less dependent on external feedback.



3. Encouragement and Support in Discovery Learning


When conducting physiotherapy at home it is important to remember that continuous encouragement and support are vital for keeping your child engaged and motivated. Encouraging discovery learning, where your child develops by learning through their own experiences and explorations with the toys, can be particularly effective.


Offer words of encouragement such as, "You’re making great progress," or "Keep going, you’re getting better every day." Let your child know that it's okay to make mistakes and that learning is a process. This type of feedback fosters a safe and supportive environment where your child feels free to experiment and take risks.


Discovery learning is beneficial because it promotes problem-solving skills and independence. By allowing your child to explore and figure things out on their own, you help them develop critical thinking skills. Provide guidance when necessary, but also step back and allow your child to navigate challenges. This approach aids their development and helps them build confidence in their abilities and fosters a sense of autonomy.



4. Interactive Play and Real-Time Feedback


During playtime, incorporate interactive play with your child and provide real-time feedback. Join them in their activities and demonstrate how to use the toys effectively. This not only helps them learn by example but also makes the therapy more enjoyable.


During interactive play, use phrases like, "Watch how I do it," followed by, "Now you try." This method creates a supportive learning environment and strengthens your bond with your child. Real-time feedback during play sessions is crucial because it allows for immediate correction and reinforcement of proper techniques.

Balancing immediate feedback with opportunities for self-correction is key. Encourage your child to try tasks on their own and then provide feedback afterward. For instance, after they attempt a task, you might say, "You did a great job trying that on your own! Next time, try to keep your hand steadier." This approach helps your child become more self-reliant while still benefiting from your guidance.


Interactive play sessions also offer an opportunity to observe your child's development and adjust your feedback strategies accordingly. Pay attention to how they respond to different types of feedback and modify your approach to best support their learning style.


Enhancing Development Through Thoughtful Feedback


By focusing on all these points, you can significantly enhance your child’s experience with interactive toys. These strategies will help them develop their motor skills more effectively and boost their overall confidence during playtime


Providing the right feedback is about finding the right balance between guidance and independence. With thoughtful and supportive feedback, you can empower your child to reach their full potential and enjoy the journey of learning and growth.


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