The Science of Motivation: How ESDM Therapists Keep Kids Engaged and Learning
Keeping children engaged in learning can be a challenge, especially for children with autism who may find it difficult to stay focused or motivated during therapy sessions. That’s where the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) comes in. ESDM therapists use a range of strategies to keep kids motivated, making learning both fun and effective. In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind motivation and how ESDM therapists use it to help children with autism stay engaged and learning.
The Importance of Motivation in Learning
Motivation is a key factor in learning. When children are motivated, they are more likely to participate actively, stay focused, and push themselves to try new things. For children with autism, who may have challenges with attention and communication, staying motivated can make all the difference in how well they respond to therapy.
But motivation isn’t just about making learning fun. It’s also about creating an environment where children feel confident, supported, and ready to explore. ESDM therapists understand this and use specific strategies to keep children engaged throughout their sessions.
Choosing the Right Activities
One of the first steps in keeping a child motivated is choosing activities that are both interesting and appropriate for their developmental level. ESDM therapists carefully select activities that match the child’s interests while also challenging them to learn new skills.
For example, if a child loves cars, the therapist might introduce activities that involve playing with toy cars, driving them on a track, or even making sounds like a car engine. By tapping into the child’s natural interests, the therapist ensures that the activity feels enjoyable rather than like hard work. At the same time, they’re weaving in teaching moments, such as encouraging the child to label the colours of the cars, make choices, or engage in turn-taking.
The key is finding that sweet spot where the activity is neither too easy nor too difficult. If it’s too easy, the child might lose interest. If it’s too hard, they might become frustrated. ESDM therapists continuously adapt activities based on the child’s responses, ensuring that they remain motivated and engaged.
The Psychology Behind Reward Systems
Reward systems are another powerful tool that ESDM therapists use to maintain motivation. The psychology behind rewards is simple: when a child receives something positive for their efforts, they are more likely to repeat the behaviour that earned them the reward.
In ESDM sessions, rewards can take many forms. Sometimes the reward is built right into the activity. For example, if the child completes a puzzle, their reward might be getting to knock it over, which is often just as fun as putting it together. Other times, the therapist might offer verbal praise, a high five, or even a small toy or sticker as a reward for completing a task.
But rewards in ESDM aren’t just about giving a child something when they do something right. They’re also about reinforcing the learning process. For instance, if a child says a new word, the therapist might reward them by immediately using that word in a fun game or song. This reinforces the behaviour and shows the child that their effort leads to something enjoyable.
ESDM therapists are skilled at using rewards in a way that feels natural and encourages ongoing learning. They don’t just hand out rewards at random; they use them strategically to build on the child’s progress and keep them engaged in the session.
Keeping the Environment Stimulating
The physical environment also plays a big role in keeping children motivated. ESDM therapists know that a stimulating environment can help maintain a child’s interest and make learning feel exciting.
In an ESDM session, the therapy room is set up with a variety of toys and activities that are chosen specifically for that child. But the room isn’t cluttered. Instead, materials are kept out of sight until they’re needed. This helps prevent distractions and keeps the child focused on the task at hand.
Therapists also use the environment to create opportunities for learning. For example, they might hide toys around the room, encouraging the child to ask for help finding them. Or they might set up a play scenario that involves moving between different parts of the room, such as driving a toy car to a “garage” and then fixing it with pretend tools. These small changes in the environment keep the session dynamic and interesting.
Another important aspect of the environment is the therapist’s own behaviour. ESDM therapists are trained to be engaging, energetic, and responsive to the child’s needs. They know how to use their own actions, facial expressions, and tone of voice to create a positive, motivating atmosphere. By keeping the environment lively and interactive, ESDM therapists can help children stay engaged and learning.
Encouraging Independence and Confidence
Building a child’s confidence is another essential part of maintaining motivation. ESDM therapists work to create an environment where children feel safe to try new things, make mistakes, and learn at their own pace.
Part of this involves breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. When a child experiences success, even in a small task, it boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep going. Over time, these small successes build up, helping the child feel more independent and capable.
Therapists also offer plenty of positive reinforcement. When a child makes progress, no matter how small, the therapist acknowledges it and celebrates it with them. This helps the child see that their efforts are paying off and keeps them motivated to continue learning.
Balancing Fun and Learning
In ESDM sessions, fun and learning go hand in hand. The therapist’s goal is to create an experience where the child is enjoying themselves so much that they don’t even realise they’re learning. By balancing structured teaching moments with spontaneous, playful activities, therapists keep the child engaged without overwhelming them.
For example, a session might start with a fun social game, followed by a more focused tabletop activity, and then transition to a movement-based game like bouncing on a gym ball. Throughout the session, the therapist is constantly gauging the child’s level of engagement and adjusting the activities to maintain their motivation.
This balance between fun and learning helps prevent burnout and ensures that the child leaves the session feeling positive and ready for the next one.
Conclusion
Motivation is the driving force behind successful learning in ESDM sessions. By choosing the right activities, using rewards effectively, creating a stimulating environment, and building a child’s confidence, our Certified ESDM therapists keep children engaged and leaarning. These strategies make therapy sessions enjoyable and productive, helping children with autism make steady progress toward their developmental goals. Our therapists are also Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists so they bring their specialised knowledge in these field to add to the impact of the ESDM sessions.
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves a positive, supportive environment where they can thrive. Our ESDM therapists are dedicated to using the science of motivation to help children stay engaged and reach their full potential. If you’re interested in learning more about how ESDM can support your child’s development, contact us today. Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot are here to help your child grow, learn, and succeed
