How to Make Power Cards

Power Cards can aid in teaching routines to children with a wide range of learning styles.

The "Power Card" strategy was developed to help young people with Asperger Syndrome and autism to learn routines and expected behaviors through visual aids and stories. A child's special interest, such as a superhero or cartoon character, is incorporated into different scenarios and sketches to give the child a lesson. The last "Power Card" is shown after the scenario or sketch, and explains how the child can solve a similar problem himself. Although these visual aids were intended for children with autism and Asperger Syndrome, they can be useful learning tools for any child.

1.Instructions:

Determine your child's learning difficulties by speak to him as well as your his educators to discuss any problems he is experiencing. Does he find it difficult to work with other students in a group, or is she disruptive while a teacher is speaking? Take note of your her difficulties. You can develop different sets of Power Cards for each of these problems.

Watch your child at play to learn about his special interests. Is he very interested in a sports star, an actor, or a cartoon character? Take note of all of your child's special interests. Set out your materials for building your Power Cards after you collect these details.

Describe or draw out a scenario involving your child's special interest, as well as your child's particular difficulty. This may involve, for example, a superhero learning how to get his teacher's attention. For best effect, include drawings and written details for the story. How does the superhero solve his problem? What happens when he finds his solution? Include these details in your Power Cards.

Decorate the cards as desired. When you create the last card, explain the difficulty that your child is having. Explain again how, using an approach similar to the special interest, she can also solve her problem. Using the example provided in Step 3, you may draw a picture of the child quietly raising her hand to get the teacher's attention. Beneath the drawing, you may include written steps to remind her of what she should do to solve the problem.

Tips & Warnings

Power Cards may or may not be helpful for your child, depending on his particular needs. Speak with an expert to determine methods that will help you teach your child life skills.

How to Make Power Cards