Learning How to EXPO

Each block includes a set of activities to practice with your child. Activities last 5 - 15 minutes and do not require special toys or materials. EXPO activities can be used any time and any where.

How will I learn how to do EXPO activities with my child?

Your EXPO Coach

Your EXPO Coach will help you select activities each week and will answer your questions about trying new activities.
Activity Cards

Activity Cards provide all the information about each activity in one place.
Core Cards

Description goes here

Using the activity cards

Each EXPO activity is described in an Activity Card that is color-coded for one of the six program blocks.

Each Activity Card follows the same basic structure. Each card shows: (2) the name of the activity, (3) an animal icon representing an executive function skill, (4) activity context, (5) setting, (6) materials, (7) action, and (8) tips.

Choosing a starting level

Some EXPO activities have variations:  one-star,  two-star, and three-star. The stars represent the starting point of an EXPO activity (one star) and how to make the activity more challenging (two or three stars).

Always start an activity at the one-star level. When your child can participate in the activity at the one-star level without any suggestions or help 5 times, it’s time to try the two-star level. Your coach can help you make decisions as well.

Selecting activities

First Week of Each Block

Each week, you will select Activity Cards from a range of options. During the first week of each block, you will choose 2 to 3 activities. Some activities will feel like games. Other activities will fit into daily routines such as mealtime or bath time.

Second Week of Each Block

During the second week of each block, you can continue to work on these activities and choose 1 more activity to try.

EXPO Expert

Some blocks introduce additional activity choices called EXPO Expert activities. Your coach will introduce these after the first couple of blocks are completed. During these weeks, you will choose 1 activity out of 3 EXPO Expert options.

Making Modifications

During each weekly coaching session, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your child’s progress and talk about your experiences with the EXPO activities. Your child might respond better to alternate objects or descriptions for the activities. You and your coach will work to ensure that any variations still involve practicing the intended skills. Your coach will help you choose activities that are right for you and your child.

EXPO Tip!

Your child might respond better to alternate objects or descriptions for the activities. You and your coach will work together to ensure that any variations still practice the intended skills.

Choose activities that you think your child will enjoy and that you think will be useful for your child’s development. Activities should feel fun and enjoyable!

Moving to the next level

When thinking about moving up to the next level, keep in mind that an important component of learning is having enjoyable and rewarding play sessions. We teach during play because children are in a calm and relaxed state, which is a great time to learn.

If you try an activity at the two-star level and your child is frustrated, we recommend you go back to the level where your child had the most success and enjoyment. Ending each EXPO play session on a positive note will help your child be excited the next time you EXPO. Your coach can help you with ideas for transitioning to the two-star level the next time if needed.

It is ok if your child isn’t quite ready to move to the next star level because they are enjoying the one-star level so much. Practice helps your child no matter what level they are at!

Planning EXPO Time

You and your child will practice planned EXPO activities 4 to 5 times a week. It is important to plan ahead for these sessions. We recommend the STAR approach to plan a successful EXPO play session:

Schedule: Make space for EXPO activities in your life. Plan your EXPO sessions ahead of time considering the needs of other family members and other things that you need to do. At the beginning of EXPO, your coach will ask you about your family’s routines. You and your coach will identify routines you do often, are familiar to your child, and are usually free of time stresses. Those are the best times to try EXPO activities!
Timing: Ensure every EXPO session follows a positive routine with a beginning, middle, and end. Routines will help your child be ready for EXPO activities and ready to learn. We provide details below.
Activities: Have your EXPO Activity Card ring, toys, and other things that you need for your activity ready ahead of time.
Reflect: Set aside a few minutes after the activity session with your child to think about how it went and answer questions in the EXPO app.