Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a fantastic way to help your child learn by using real-life, everyday situations. Instead of sitting at a desk or in a classroom, NET takes advantage of daily activities to teach new skills in a natural, comfortable setting.
Whether you’re playing, cooking, or cleaning, you can incorporate learning into any moment. Here are some simple and fun NET examples that parents can try at home:
1. Snack Time for Communication Skills
Snack time is a great opportunity to teach your child how to ask for what they want. Instead of just handing them a snack, encourage them to say or sign the word for it.
If they want a cookie, prompt them by saying, “Can you say ‘cookie’?” or use a picture card to communicate their request. This teaches basic communication and can easily be repeated every day.
2. Playtime for Social Skills
Playtime is not just about having fun; it’s a perfect time for teaching social skills! When playing with toys like dolls or action figures, model simple social exchanges.
For example, have the characters take turns or share toys. You can also encourage your child to ask questions like, “Can I play?” or “It’s my turn.” This helps build social awareness and turn-taking skills.
3. Laundry for Following Directions
Involve your child in everyday chores like folding laundry or matching socks. You can teach them how to follow simple directions like, “Please fold the shirt,” or “Can you find two socks that match?”
These activities teach organizational skills, following directions, and sorting, all while reinforcing language development.
4. Cooking for Sequencing and Motor Skills
Cooking or baking together is a great way to teach sequencing and motor skills. Ask your child to help with simple tasks like stirring ingredients, pouring, or adding toppings.
Use these tasks to reinforce words related to actions (stir, pour, mix) and to teach steps in a process (first, next, last). This can improve their ability to follow instructions and develop fine motor skills.
5. Outdoor Play for Motor and Safety Skills
Outdoor activities like jumping on a trampoline, riding a bike, or playing catch can work on both motor skills and safety. You can reinforce concepts like “stop,” “go,” “turn,” or “careful” while playing outside.
These activities teach coordination, body awareness, and how to follow safety rules—all in a fun, active way.
6. Grocery Shopping for Number and Categorization Skills
Take your child grocery shopping and make it a learning opportunity. Ask them to help you pick out items, like choosing the right fruit or putting things into specific categories (fruits, vegetables, snacks).
You can also practice counting or identifying shapes and colors on packaging. This helps with categorization, language development, and even math skills.
7. Cleaning for Independence and Responsibility
Cleaning up after meals or tidying up toys is an excellent way to teach responsibility and self-help skills. Encourage your child to help wipe down the table, put away their toys, or throw trash away.
While doing this, reinforce phrases like “clean up,” “put away,” or “wipe.” These simple chores help build independence and confidence.
8. Bath Time for Self-Care Skills
Bath time is an ideal opportunity for teaching self-care routines. Guide your child through steps like washing their hands, brushing their teeth, or using soap.
You can also introduce new vocabulary related to hygiene, such as “shampoo,” “rinse,” and “towel.” It’s an excellent chance to practice both motor skills and independence.
9. Reading Books for Vocabulary and Comprehension
Reading together is a wonderful way to expand your child’s vocabulary and improve their comprehension. Use the pictures in the book to ask questions like, “What’s happening here?” or “Can you point to the dog?”
This not only helps with language but also encourages attention and focus. You can make it interactive by using different voices for the characters or asking your child to repeat words.
10. Morning Routine for Daily Independence
Incorporating learning into your child’s morning routine helps build independence. Ask them to follow steps like putting on their shoes, brushing their teeth, or picking out clothes. Break it down into simple, manageable steps to encourage them to do things on their own.
Each task they complete successfully boosts their confidence and autonomy.
Want more support with your child’s progress? True Progress Therapy offers ABA services in New Jersey, including in-home ABA and parent training.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your child’s growth at home!
FAQs
- What is Natural Environment Teaching (NET)?
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a teaching approach that uses everyday situations and real-life activities to help children learn. Instead of structured lessons, it focuses on teaching skills through natural interactions, like play, meals, and household tasks.
- How can I use NET at home?
You can use NET at home by turning routine activities into learning opportunities. For example, during snack time, encourage your child to ask for food or practice communication skills. Playtime can teach social skills, and chores can support learning about organization and responsibility.
- Does NET work for all children?
Yes! NET is flexible and can be adapted for children of all ages and abilities. It’s especially effective for children with autism and other developmental differences, as it offers a natural and engaging way to learn without the stress of traditional classroom settings.
- How do I incorporate NET without feeling overwhelmed?
Start small by picking one or two everyday activities, like mealtime or playtime, and focus on teaching one skill at a time. Make it fun and keep it light! You don’t need to create formal lessons—just use the natural moments to reinforce learning and communication. - Can I get professional support with NET?
Yes! At True Progress Therapy, we offer ABA therapy and parent training that can guide you on how to effectively implement NET at home. Our experienced therapists can help tailor NET strategies to your child’s unique needs.
Sources:
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/autism-and-social-skills-development
- https://www.nu.edu/blog/what-is-natural-environment-teaching/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38917993/
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4939-0401-3_13
- https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1790&context=etd
