EXPO Activities
EXPO teaches parents to play activities and games with their children to support their child’s thinking and problem-solving skills. Activities last 5 - 10 minutes and do not require special toys or materials. EXPO activities can be used any time throughout the week.
Learning how to do EXPO Activities
You will have access to EXPO demonstration videos for each activity. You will also have as a set of Activity Cards that provide all the information about each activity in one place. The cards are also there if you need more information during an EXPO activity. Each card describes how to do the activity and includes key elements for assessing your child's progress. They also include suggestions for changes to make activities easier or more challenging.
How do activity cards work?
Each EXPO activity has the following elements:
Color-coded for one of the six program blocks
Activity Name
Block Icon
Context
Setting
Materials
Action
Tips
Additionally, the back of each Activity Card describes how to add more challenge once your child has mastered the initial skill. The levels are completely optional - EXPO is designed to work well even without increasing the level of challenge!
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 specific skills for the block you are in.
Choosing a starting level
Each EXPO activity has three skill levels: beginner (one star), intermediate (two stars), and advanced (three stars).
Always start an activity at the beginner level. If this level is too easy for your child, you can increase the level of challenge. The Activity Cards will provide suggestions for these changes. Your coach can help you make decisions as well.
As you familiarize yourself with the Activity Cards, please notice the stars on the card. 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 may be time to try the two-star level.
Moving to the next level
When thinking about moving up to the next level, please keep in mind that one of the most important components 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. We want your EXPO activities to be enjoyable for you and your child so that you want to continue with the activities. If you try an activity at the two-star level and your child is frustrated, we recommend for you to go back to the level where your child had the most success and enjoyment to end the session on a positive note. By doing so, your child will be likely to agree to another play session the next time you give it a try. 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. Learning continues in a familiar activity just by spending time practicing skills.
FAQs
How do i choose activities for my child?
Each week, you will select Activity Cards from a range of options. During each block, you will choose 2 to 3 activities out of 6 possible options focusing on a particular executive function skill. Some activities will feel like games. Other activities will fit into daily routines such as mealtimes, bath time, and transitions.
Which activities are right for my child?
Choose these activities that you think your child will find the most interesting or fun, and that you think might be most useful for your child’s development.
What does EXPO Expert! mean?
Once you are into the rhythm of EXPO, you will start to have additional activity choices called EXPO Expert activities. Your coach will introduce these after the first few blocks are completed. You can choose 1 out of 3 EXPO Expert! activities. Choose these activities based on:
How will my EXPO Coach help with activities?
Each week, you will have the opportunity to talk about your experiences with your EXPO activities. Your coach will help you choose activities that are right for you and child.
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 activity:
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.
You are not in this alone.
