How is the election affecting the relationships in your family, school or community?
Word of the Day: pagoda
This word has appeared in 16 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
RFP Guide: Key Elements for Success
How to Guide. I felt that having it in the title would make it clear this is a guide – think the best way approach for your RFP that you will either blast out to vendors (the most common way folks do it – and IMO the worst way) or select a few vendors or multiple vendors (no more than ten on numerous, and no more than five on select).
This does not cover my template or use my template.
This is your own RFP.
The one you designed.
The one you labored over.
The one you griped internally to yourself.
The one you had full control over or had to send to a bunch of people who think they are more brilliant than you (be honest – I mean Mike over in HR knows more about learning and training than you, even though Mike is head of HR and doesn’t focus on your department).
Maybe you have the luxury of a committee of people who, while some are nice and respect you, others deep down think they have the power.
You either agree to do what they ask or listen to them, get insight from them, and then ignore them (I did this all the time).
Another way to do it?
It is to take control of the committee and sway them to your side.
Trust me, it is very doable.
Especially with member committees in an association.
The worst way, by far, is to get all these folks’ ideas and what they want in the RFP, and then they send it to you, and you just put it into the RFP, ignoring that a lot of it is duplicate, unrealistic, or just downright ignorant.
I’d love to say that the above doesn’t happen, but it does a lot.
I’ve seen RFPs in which the information sent from numerous departments was just shoved into them without the person overseeing the process paying any sort of attention.
By the way, if you have more than 20 questions about security, go to whatever server farm they are using—AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Farm of Magic—and bounce into the security information.
Because that is where it starts.
Then they will tell you that they have never been hacked (I know of only one vendor who was, and then they never told their clients).
Next, they will go through their own procedures and, if you ask—rarely do folks do—their approach to maintenance, updating, and how often the data gets sent over to the server itself.
Be aware it is not immediate for a chunk of vendors. It could be 24 hours.
Privacy is another important item to inquire about—from GDPR (which they all support) to the California Consumer Privacy Act, which many vendors have no clue about. It is only relevant if the vendor makes more than 10 million a year, has X number of people, and does business in the state.
I’d want to know their privacy policies around AI and how they handle all the different regulations globally. Not one country or state (in the US) has the same policy regarding AI regulations.
There are states that have the AI regulations active—as of today. Way too many people think that these policies won’t be active until 2025. That just isn’t accurate.
The EU has policies that are constantly changing.
This is very relevant information in your RFP.
I suspect nobody is asking that question or questions.
The vendor may say, yes, we maintain that. Okay, how?
Do you use a 3rd party who handles that (and they do exist)?
Do you have a team that spends all their time reviewing and updating these regulations to ensure the system complies?
These regs will change often as AI develops and can do more.
It’s crucial to include specific details in your RFP. While a vendor may not currently have AI, they can indicate this and explain why. However, if a vendor plans to implement AI in 2025, it’s important to ask about this, as it may not have been considered.
VPN questions are highly relevant, especially in the current work-from-home environment. Any vendor who claims to have no issues with VPNs should be asked to explain their approach, as it’s a key aspect of their service.
I know the How-to Guide hasn’t fully started yet, but it has with some of the items listed above—think of those as tips.
The How To Guide – Part A
Regardless of your organization’s size, type of business, number of active users, or whether it is for employees or customers, this area needs to be part of your RFP.
Some people believe that their RFP has to be different for an LXP, LMS, or Learning Platform.
They don’t.
RFP, LMS, and learning platforms are ubiquitous to each other.
They will argue that an LMS is traditional (it is not), while their system, an LXP, is far different.
Ditto on the learning platform tends to be vendors who do not see themselves as an LMS – I’m happy for you; I mean, I don’t see candy that sticks to my teeth as being the same as candy that sticks to my teeth, either.
Even if a system is 100% skills-focused, it will still share common elements with other systems. These commonalities are important to identify, as they ensure that the system meets basic requirements.
They have to. Otherwise, it is an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) – which is old school.
Or SharePoint, which is a boring version of FTP that plenty of large companies still think is the way to go for learning or training, despite experts in SharePoint saying it is not.
How to Guide Part B
The first items you need to put in your RFP guide – and I mean the first thing any vendor will see are the following (and as they say, make it simple and right to the point)
It’s important to clearly identify the person or persons who will be responsible for receiving the RFP. This includes providing a direct contact for any vendor questions. If this person is you, there’s no need to explain why, as this information is often overlooked.
How do you want to be contacted, and when are you available? Do you prefer e-mail, a call, or both?
If you are on WhatsApp – is that your preference? What times will you be available?
If it is by e-mail, state that you will respond within 24 hours during regular business hours – and state clearly what those hours are and what time zone.
The time zone is very relevant. Add location here. Example:
9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Wednesday.
I am located in London, UK. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. GMT and whatever else you stick there.
Refrain from basing it on where the company is if you are working remotely.
It is where you or the POC is based.
The above is for phone calls.
For e-mails or other methods, you will note that you will review the questions within 24 hours, during regular business hours – and then state those hours and time zone/location.
Never assume that someone will know where Calgary is, either in the time zone or in Berlin, Germany.
If you say Plymouth, for example, is it in Massachusetts or England?
The rock in Plymouth, MA, differs from the one they landed on. However, it is a good tourist attraction.
When is the RFP due?
Be specific.
If the RFP is due on a specific date and time, such as Tuesday, March 15th at 2 p.m., it’s crucial to communicate this clearly. This includes specifying the time zone and location to avoid any confusion.
Again, make sure they know the time zone and location where you are.
Why the specificity?
It identifies whether or not this vendor wants your business and/or advances to the next round because they still really want it.
Think in these terms: You have trainers, and they are doing an ILT session. The session starts at 9 a.m.
Your policy, however, stipulates you want your trainer(s) to be there by 8.15 a.m. to ensure everything is working, the net is acceptable, materials are ready to go, and so on.
That is the way to approach this.
Applying a clear deadline to the mechanisms and policies you have implemented for your training or learning is crucial. It helps you stay organized and in control of the process.
For those in HR, marketing, or sales, for example, you still have deadlines in your area, don’t you? And if the person or person(s) does not hit that deadline, are you happy about that?
What is your responsibility, significantly if it impacts the business line or your department?
Another reason for the due date and time cutoff :
I know vendors who wait until the last minute to get the RFP retorts back. I hate that. If a vendor can’t send this back a few days or even a week before, what does that tell you about them?
Are they lazy? Do they want the business?
Are they go-getters? Do they want to be part of your entity?
Personally, I never was a fan of vendors who waited until the last minute or pulled this ploy. Can they get an extension?
No. It is pretty simple here – I set a deadline, you ignore it, and then I should reward you with extra time.
Setting the Time
Give a vendor at least three weeks to respond. Do not say, “One week,” because that suggests that you waited until the last minute and are now in a rush.
You must, I stress you must have a game plan, or think plan/journey to how you want to get the RFP done and sent in correlation to when you want to see the system, or if you need another viewing of the system with additional folks – after you have already seen the system,
Then, decide on which system to go with, start the negotiation process, have legal or just if yourself – if you have the power and it is not needed to go through legal or, you say, a training consultant or a one-person shop – after the contract is sent.
Sign the contract, set up a project plan, identify the point of contact for that vendor, sign off on the project plan, begin implementation, and finish implementation.
The vendor and you test to make sure everything is working. Next, start adding your content (if you have any), migrating or adding users, setting the system up, and finally, finally, activating the system.
I always referred to it as “Rock n Roll.”
Oh, and at the same time, this is going on, start implementing your strategy for getting folks excited about being on the system, whether it is via some cool marketing ideas or just a blast email that half the people ignore.
Whew.
I always knew my timeframe – ahead of time – just because after you do one, you know for the next time.
A strategic approach is a must in RFP processes. It ensures a systematic and efficient execution.
Because it isn’t just one thing.
How do I get there?
Backtrack. You want to go live by January 31, 2025 (always know the date).
Maybe you want the system live but are fine with some stuff still being added, like humans or content, or you have no content—which, uh, you don’t want to do.
Maybe you want to roll out the system only to X people, X departments, or X user groups.
Then, you may have multiple flex dates.
You also need a strategy for your administrator or yourself because you or they need to be trained to use the system.
Testing is a crucial step in the process. It ensures that the system is working correctly and provides a sense of reassurance and thoroughness.
Testing and validation are crucial in the RFP process. Even if a vendor can have the system up and running in one month, it’s essential to test and validate that everything is working.
They are the worst.
I’d have dated gum from a pack of baseball cards that tastes like cardboard. And for those who haven’t experienced it, think of the gum you found in your car that you believe is still good until you taste it.
This is why, not the gum angle, giving enough time to get the RFP back is relevant.
One week will push the vendor because they may have – and usually do – multiple RFPs to complete.
Again, think of how it feels when you have multiple items to complete and have one day or one week to do them.
If you want to ensure its accuracy and quality, you will not shove it out and wing it.
I always looked at it that way.
I think of how I would feel, what kind of pressure that would be upon me, and if you are not a person who takes stress easily, then you know what I am talking about. It stinks.
Two weeks is an equal push.
Let’s say your RFP is more than 20 pages long. Could you create a proposal that is more than twenty pages long and answer each question with details, along with whatever else is needed?
When I was working on a doctorate, I had a paper that was a minimum of ten pages and due every Monday.
When did we get the assignment?
On Wednesday.
I experienced the same thing from a professor when I was getting a Master’s degree – his announcement?
Always on a Thursday.
How Long Should It Be?
At most, ten pages.
Preferably at most five pages – yes, you can do everything in five pages.
This does not include your use case or any additional materials—think about tying multiple systems or another system to your learning system—and asking the vendor to explain their approach.
Provide at least one client that has implemented this (they can find someone; never take their response, “We can do that”).
If it is a system the vendor has never heard of—and yes, it happens a lot—ask them to at least give you an idea of how they will do this.
You hope they will be able to give you a general idea of their approach, which, after all, is what you want.
If you can’t meet the ten-page limit and need, e.g., the RFP minus what I noted above around the use case or any additional materials—think addendums—you need to go back and remove things.
It’s okay. A giant scary monster isn’t going to attack you.
After all, you are the person who will be responsible for the system, with all its pluses and minuses—and the griping from others that goes with it.
Anyway, I am serious about the maximum limit.
Because I have experienced it firsthand.
Yes, I did not come out of the gate with this information. I learned it.
My first RFP was around thirty pages.
It was brutal.
I had already seen the system (this is what I recommend before you blast away) and identified which vendors would receive it.
I had the extension request, which I always rejected.
I asked for pricing, which you want to do because even if you are just blasting before you see the system, if it isn’t in your budget, what’s the point of seeing it?
On the other hand, if you have seen the system ahead of time—I recommend this—you will definitely want to know how much it is going to cost, which means you state in your RFP that you want to see a proposal as part of the retort.
And you want a formal proposal.
If the vendor doesn’t know what it means – send them to a website that shows it.
Formal is professional.
A Word doc or Excel file is not.
It screams lazy.
And who wants that as a partner?
If the system is going to be rolled out for, say, 30 people in year one, then the proposal should say 30 people.
It shouldn’t be for the number of people you plan to be on the system by year three.
An active user – has one username and one password.
Pretty simple.
When drafting your RFP, it’s crucial to provide clear and specific instructions to the vendor on how you expect them to respond to your questions, template, or chosen approach. This clarity will guide the vendor and streamline the process.
Be specific.
If you want more than a yes or no, say it.
Example: Please provide details on every response in a manner that anyone could read and understand.
If you must use technical terms, please provide a clear explanation of what they mean and how they apply to us. This will ensure that everyone, regardless of their expertise, feels included and understood.
Always maintain a professional and polite tone in your proposal and instructions. Using ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ in your communication sets a respectful tone and fosters a positive working relationship with the vendor.
I looked at how a vendor responded to me in their email—when they sent back the results of your RFP—and any communication you have with the vendor.
Their goal is to sell you on them. Ideally, this will be whomever you move forward with as your partner.
I don’t care if you become buddies and talk.
It’s essential that vendors maintain a professional tone in their communications, regardless of their job role. This reflects their reliability and respect for the RFP process, especially when their communication is shared with others.
I am not a fan of someone not mentioning my name when they respond to me, nor leaving out “thank you” or “Cheers,” whatever their phrase for saying goodbye is.
“Best” always sounds disingenious to me. Not sure why.
Nor do I like it when they do not put their name at the end.
I’ve seen an initial, as though they are too important to leave their name or just leave it blank.
Again, this is someone trying to woo you, not your sibling, best friend, or someone you are relaxed talking with and have had over multiple times.
Language
If you prefer the responses to be in your native language, state it. I know of folks who want their RFP in another language than English, and then the vendor ignores it and sends it back in English.
You may be multilingual and prefer one language over another.
It’s not a crime to say that I would like the responses to be in X, not English.
A vendor can find someone to translate or go online and find a site that can – “do not use Google Translate.”
Bottom Line
The How-To Guide provides a process for delivering the results you are seeking, depending on the method you prefer to send it.
Either send a blast to lots of vendors, a select blast to a few, or send out the use case, await a retort, then schedule a demo to see the system. Then, and only then, after you have narrowed down the list of vendors, send them the RFP.
In my experience, and upon hearing from so many people, the blast approach just doesn’t work.
Yes, vendors will respond, and yes, you will get many RFP results to read and review.
I can tell you that the latter is a miserable experience. It takes way too much time, and I assume your time is valuable.
On top of that, you narrow down or schedule the demo on a narrow-down list.
If you decide to have all those vendors do extra items for you, that is more time.
A vendor can always tell if the RFP is designed for a specific vendor in mind, and thus, this is just being sent to say, “I sent this out,” even though vendor A is the one you are going with.
Yes, you can read on the web how to guide the approach, but unless that person has been in the trenches, you are relying on them to tell you this is how it works.
I have never seen the blast method turn out well for the person who did it.
It is arduous.
It is a challenge.
It fails to recognize right away how good and a fit the system is just because you are relying on those retorts as the next step before looking at the systems.
Vendors will respond, with some saying yes, but in reality, they have to do this and then that and then have a partner do this or that.
I know you will say, “That doesn’t happen.”
I am telling you, it does.
It may be different from the vendors you selected for the next step.
It may differ from the 20 vendors you place in the second bucket.
But what if one, just one, does it?
How will you know?
E-Learning 24/7
3 career tips from a Google data analyst
If you’ve been here for a while, you’re likely well aware that data analysis is a high-income skill and is associated with a lucrative career path. When used thoughtfully, data can reveal actionable insights that drive performance and offer a competitive edge. But perhaps the most amazing thing about data is how applicable your analysis skills can be across fields and job roles. Take it from Tony Francis, a data analytics expert working in Google’s financial department.
“Personally, I didn’t jump right into the data analytics field. I thought data analysis was for computer engineers. Instead, I started my career very excited about opportunities in finance. I always dreamed of being a CFO,” Francis says. “But as I progressed through my finance career, I could see the field changing in front of me, and I knew I needed to expand my expertise to grow as a professional and achieve my career goals.”
Francis identified the value data analytics could bring to his finance career early on. In fact, he talks a bit about his journey in Google’s Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere—the first in the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate—where he appears as one of the course instructors. Now, he’s sharing deeper insights gathered over the course of his 20-year career.
Here are three takeaways from our Q&A with Tony Francis:
1. Keep an open mind and growth mindset.
If Francis could speak to his younger self, he’d encourage himself “to keep an open mind and heart to all opportunities,” he says. “Moreover, I would encourage myself to evaluate each opportunity from an unbiased place where I think thoughtfully about how the decision can impact my long-term goals and the path that I will be on.”
For early professionals, that includes maintaining a growth mindset—or recognizing the learning opportunity in every experience, good or bad. “I always tell folks starting their careers or making a career shift to remain optimistic while being patient,” Francis says. “Also, always remember there will be things that are out of your control, so don’t let ‘no’s’ or delays force you to lose sight of your goal.”
2. Build your technical and workplace skills.
As a data analyst, Francis relies on technical skills and tools common to data analytics positions, including spreadsheet software, Structured Query Language (SQL), and database tools.
However, he names two workplace skills that have been surprisingly instrumental to his success: communication and active listening. “Particularly in large organizations, everything is not said directly, and so much can be left up to interpretation,” he says. “This requires one to have a strong understanding of both the macro and micro issues impacting their area of focus. This deeper and more holistic understanding is incredibly useful when communicating goals, wins, and solving problems when there is a lot of ambiguity.”
3. Lean into your strengths.
Boiling down his success to three key factors, Francis credits his career trajectory to: (1) his experiences—”successes and failures,” he says; (2) his relationships with his peers, which, he says, “have had as much, if not more, impact” than his relationships with leaders; and (3) “developing a strong understanding of the type of work that both leans into my strengths and gives me joy.”
These days, he finds joy in coaching his team and supporting their growth. “A huge benefit of time and staying patient is being able to develop and empower others to enable them for successful careers,” Francis says.
Keep learning
For more from Tony Francis, Senior Program Manager at Google, read our full Q&A, or learn data analysis from him and his colleagues with the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
Google launches Prompting Essentials course as demand for AI skills continues to grow
By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer, Coursera
Today, Google is launching a new GenAI course, Prompting Essentials, to help anyone, even those without prior experience, design better prompts and use AI more effectively.
The demand to learn GenAI from industry leaders remains strong. The Google AI Essentials course, launched in April, has become the most popular GenAI course on Coursera of all time.
“Effective prompting is key to unlocking generative AI’s full potential,” said Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google. “Google’s Prompting Essentials course, developed by Google experts with input from leading companies, equips people at all experience levels with the skills to prompt AI tools for increased productivity, creativity, and problem-solving at work and in everyday life.”
GenAI users save about five hours a week, enabling them to take on more tasks, new challenges, and strategic projects, according to BCG data. Google Prompting Essentials will help people across roles and industries design prompts that consistently deliver useful results, amplifying AI’s impact.
In less than ten hours, AI experts at Google teach learners to:
- Identify which tasks AI can best handle.
- Leverage a simple 5-step framework to write effective prompts.
- Design prompts to draft emails, convert meeting notes into action items, extract key insights from reports, accelerate data analysis, and even simulate tough conversations.
- Build a library of reusable prompts.
- Write prompts with responsible practices in mind like evaluating output for bias and errors.
Upon completion, learners earn a shareable certificate to showcase their new skills to their network.
As job postings requiring AI skills have grown 3.5x faster than other roles and can offer up to 25% higher pay, AI expertise can unlock opportunities. We’re proud to partner with Google to help anyone, anywhere learn this essential skill that can transform their work day and advance careers.
Enroll now in the Google Prompting Essentials to better leverage AI at work.
What Role Does Fear Play in Your Life?
R.L. Stine, the author of the “Goosebumps” series, shares how he turned his fear into a positive force in his life. What can you learn from him?
Word of the Day: logistical
This word has appeared in 424 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
Comment on Industry Corner Spotlight: The Accountant’s Journey by Nicole Heeralal
“Accounting: The Language of Business Success”
From startups to multinational corporations, financial transparency is the bedrock of sustainable growth. Accountants, the language interpreters of this business world, play a pivotal role in ensuring financial accuracy, informing strategic decisions, and safeguarding a company’s future.
To gain insights into the dynamic world of accounting, we sat down with Nhyira Asante, a Chartered Accountant and investment analyst. Nhyira’s journey offers valuable perspectives on the challenges, rewards, and opportunities within the accounting profession.
Once you’ve read her story, explore the range of free online accounting courses on Alison.com. These cover beginners interested in basic accounting to specific topics for experienced accountants who need to expand or refresh their knowledge. Sign up and enrol today!
Understanding the Accountant’s Role
Meet Nhyira Asante
Q: What drew you to the accounting field?
My mom always wanted to be an accountant but didn’t get to be one until later on in life, so she encouraged me to pursue it. When I saw the stars aligning in terms of academics, I gave it a full-hearted “go”.
Q: What does an accountant do, and what qualifications are needed?
An accountant essentially works at making sure the financial side of a business is kept in check by recording transactional information and then providing insight into what all the numbers mean.
I went to Wits University in Johannesburg (University of the Witwatersrand) and studied a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences as my undergrad and then a year of postgrad for my Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA). As soon as CTA was done, I wrote my first Board exam which is a technical exam, and thereafter my second and final Board exam which is a more “practical” exam.
Q: Are there different types of accountants?
Yes, we can break it down by qualification. There are professional accountants, chartered accounts, chartered certified accountants, management accountants, etc. All have a similar focus on providing accurate financial information to assess a business’s performance and forecast future performance. Then there are the roles that accountants perform as well – they can be bookkeepers, financial managers, CFOs, investment analysts, entrepreneurs – any number of things.
Q: What skills and qualities are essential for success in accounting? Do accountants need to be good at math?
Yes, otherwise people would sue us consistently and constantly. The key is to have a good handle on the organisation and pay attention to detail. The job is immensely challenging. You need to have the ability to persevere no matter the challenges. There is the usual stress of meeting near-term deadlines most efficiently and accurately.
Q: In what sectors can accountants work?
Luckily, we can work across many sectors – as long as there is a need for someone to understand financial information there will be a need for accountants. Accountant roles post qualification are so wide and varied – it enables you to do anything you would want to do.
Q: What are some misconceptions about being an accountant?
That we are boring, stingy pen-pushers that people should ignore.
A Day in the Life of an Accountant
Q: Describe a typical day in your role as an investment analyst.
My journey is a little different from a typical accountant’s – I work in an investment bank so my day-to-day involves covering admin and transactional points that may arise on one of the deals I handle. This includes preparing materials, taking notes, valuing companies etc.
Q: When you started on this journey, what were your vision and mission?
My vision was to help people with their businesses and financing so entrepreneurs would be able to execute their dreams and visions. My mission also slowly became about debunking the information barrier that exists between people who are well versed in how to work in a corporate, investing etc setting and those that don’t have access to that information.
Q: What daily habits contribute to your success?
Preparing for meetings- I try to take notes of everything I need to do, to help me keep track. (I’ve always heard that a short pencil is better than a long memory).
- Motivating and challenging team members towards a greater common goal.
- I exercise integrity and try to be reliable which results in more trust in the system for a more conducive work environment.
Q: What are the challenges of being an accountant?
The biggest sacrifice is an ongoing motif in my current role – my job is quite intense, and as a result, I’ve had to sacrifice quality time with family to cater to my job. In general, work-life balance is within reach however in my current role, it’s rare. Clients are easy to engage with generally, and it’s fun to win them over. They can also be quite slow in providing responses that you would need to action your own challenging work.I had quite the challenge in my post-grad year but managed to pass what is a dreaded year for most accounting students.
Q: What inspires you to keep going?
I want to build a more beautiful life for my parents – the idea that I will be able to make that happen day one day keeps me going.
Q: Do you have any apps or tools you use to stay organised?
I use Microsoft Outlook.
Q: What encouragement or advice can you give someone looking to become an accountant?
- Know your “why” – your purpose for pursuing this career. Once that is established and unlikely to change, you’ll be able to contextualise what you’re giving up getting your dream and decide whether it’s worth it or not.
- Always practise gratitude for any opportunity that is presented to you – it opens countless other doors and opportunities.
Q: What was the proudest moment in your career so far?
Qualifying as a chartered accountant.
Have you got what it takes to become an accountant?
Think you have what it takes to help companies keep accounts? Take our free online aptitude test to identify your strengths and weaknesses in numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning. You’ll receive course recommendations to get your accounting career started. You an also explore careers relating to accountancy in our comprehensive Career Guide.
Simply register for a free account and discover how Alison’s free courses and resources can help you achieve your career goals!
How Playtime Supports Development in Children with Special Needs
Written by Liau Alex
Play is often seen as a carefree pastime for children, but its significance goes beyond mere entertainment, especially for those with special needs. Understanding the importance of play in fostering development in children with special needs is crucial for creating supportive environments that facilitate growth and learning.
Play, in its essence, is a natural and spontaneous activity that brings joy, exploration, and learning opportunities to children. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from imaginative play to structured games. When we talk about children with special needs, we refer to those who may have developmental delays, physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders, or communication challenges. These children may require additional support and accommodations to engage fully in play and reach their developmental milestones.
The Role of Play in Development
Cognitive Development
Play is a powerful tool for cognitive development in children with special needs. Through play, they can explore their environment, problem-solve, and develop critical thinking skills. For example, a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may engage in repetitive play activities that help them understand cause-and-effect relationships.
Social Development
Social interaction is a fundamental aspect of play that contributes to the social development of children with special needs. Play allows them to practice important skills such as turn-taking, sharing, and cooperation. Moreover, it provides opportunities for building friendships and developing a sense of belonging.
Emotional Development
Play provides a safe space for children to express their emotions and learn how to regulate them. For children with special needs, who may struggle with emotional regulation, play can be particularly beneficial. It allows them to explore different feelings and learn appropriate ways to cope with them.
Physical Development
Physical activity is integral to the overall development of children, including those with special needs. Playful movements such as running, jumping, and climbing help improve motor skills, coordination, and strength. Adapted physical activities and games tailored to individual needs can support the physical development of children with disabilities.
Challenges and Barriers
Despite the numerous benefits of play, children with special needs may encounter various challenges and barriers that hinder their participation.
Physical Limitations
Children with physical disabilities may face limitations in their ability to engage in certain types of play activities. Accessibility issues and lack of adapted equipment can further restrict their participation.
Communication Difficulties
For children with communication disorders such as speech delays or language impairments, verbal interaction during play may be challenging. This can impact their ability to express themselves and engage in cooperative play with peers.
Sensory Processing Issues
Many children with special needs experience sensory processing difficulties, where they may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli. This can make certain play environments overwhelming or aversive for them, affecting their willingness to participate.
Strategies for Facilitating Play
Despite these challenges, there are various strategies and interventions that can help facilitate play for children with special needs.
Adapted Toys and Games
Adapted toys and games designed specifically for children with disabilities can make play more accessible and enjoyable. These toys may feature large buttons, bright colors, or tactile elements to accommodate different needs.
Structured Play Activities
Structured play activities with clear rules and guidelines can provide a sense of predictability and security for children with special needs. Board games, puzzles, and sensory bins are examples of structured activities that promote learning and social interaction.
Sensory-Friendly Environments
Creating sensory-friendly environments that minimize sensory overload and provide sensory stimulation can support children with sensory processing issues. This may involve adjusting lighting, sound levels, and textures in play spaces to create a more comfortable experience.
Peer Support and Inclusion
Encouraging peer support and inclusion in play settings can help children with special needs feel accepted and valued. Peer buddies or inclusion programs can facilitate meaningful interactions and friendships among children of all abilities.
Benefits and Outcomes
By actively promoting play for children with special needs, we can witness a range of positive outcomes that contribute to their overall development and well-being.
Improved Communication Skills
Engaging in play activities that involve communication and social interaction can help children with speech and language difficulties improve their communication skills and build confidence in expressing themselves.
Increased Social Interaction
Play provides opportunities for children to interact with others, develop friendships, and learn social skills such as cooperation and empathy. These social interactions contribute to their sense of belonging and social integration.
Enhanced Motor Skills
Participating in physical play activities helps children develop gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and balance. This is particularly beneficial for children with physical disabilities or delays in motor development.
Boosted Self-Esteem
Successful participation in play and the accomplishment of play goals can boost self-esteem and self-confidence in children with special needs. It reinforces their sense of competence and autonomy, leading to greater overall well-being.
In conclusion, recognizing the importance of play in fostering development in children with special needs is essential for promoting their growth, learning, and inclusion. By understanding the unique needs and challenges of these children and implementing supportive strategies, we can create enriching play experiences that empower them to thrive.
If you’re passionate about child development and interested in learning more about how pretend play can positively impact children, you’re in luck! Nurture Pods is offering a free online course that delves deep into this
In this course, we explore the concepts behind the autism spectrum and its role in childhood development. We dive into various child development theories, shedding light on how pretend play can enhance cognitive, social, and emotional skills in children with autism.
Throughout the course, we also discuss practical strategies and techniques to help children with autism thrive in their everyday lives. By understanding the different levels of autism found on the spectrum and exploring other developmental disorders, we gain valuable insights into how to provide effective support and intervention.
So, if you’re ready to expand your knowledge and make a positive impact in the lives of children with autism, I highly recommend checking out this free online course.
About The Author
Liau Alex obtained his degree in Psychology from the National University of Singapore and specialises in childhood disorders, specifically learning and behavioural difficulties. He has many years of experience working with children exhibiting a wide array of learning and behaviour challenges, many of whom have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
As an author, Alex has two titles published by Future Horizons Inc. (USA), the world leader in autism and sensory resources. Schools worldwide have used his books for inclusive education and parent training for children with special needs. Titles under his name include School Shadow Guidelines (2015) and A Parent’s Guide to Early Intervention (2021).
Alex received training on early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) in Australia and subsequently went to the USA, where he received relationship development intervention (RDI) training under Dr Steven Gutstein and Dr Rachel Sheely. He has presented in Australia, Houston, and Singapore and has also been invited to participate in media interviews. Furthermore, he has worked with clients from across the globe, including China, Taiwan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Following a dream to the bachelor’s completion program at Georgetown
Amanda finds the online learning she needs to prep for law school and more
Amanda is a student in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. Students in this degree program are able to tailor their learning to align with future pursuits, with options to study business, cybersecurity, the humanities, politics, and more. For Amanda, it’s clear what lies ahead: “After graduation, I plan to apply for law school.”
Working in property management for over 20 years, Amanda has spent decades in a field related to her goal of attending law school. As she took on increasing responsibilities throughout her career, she came to the realization of how important Fair Housing Laws can be. She explains, “My extensive experience in property management has shown me the importance of legal knowledge in this field.”
Given that she’s a working professional, Amanda needs the right online program for her goals so that she can study around her busy schedule. With the Georgetown program on Coursera, she has all of this and more. She shares, “Attending Georgetown University has been a dream of mine since childhood,” and through the online bachelor’s program from Georgetown, she is now following that dream.
Amanda recognizes the support and flexibility she’s enjoying, too. She learns through on-demand lectures she can watch anytime and anywhere, all while being able to connect with instructors and other students for deeper discussions. She emphasizes, “Since I am a working mom, I wouldn’t be able to continue my education without a flexible program like this one.”
Having started the program, Amanda has much to talk about when it comes to her student experience. “I have enjoyed all of my classes,” she says, “but I think my favorite is the Female Rulers from Antiquity to Today course.” While Amanda is most interested in subjects related to her aspirations in law and business, she’s found humanities courses like this to be a very pleasant surprise.
Reflecting on how she’s tailored her journey with Georgetown so far, Amanda points out that as an experienced property manager, she has often dealt with a wide range of business matters. Through her Business & Entrepreneurship concentration, she has the opportunity to gain essential skills in finance, management, and strategic planning to complement her current and future roles.
Ultimately, as a student in an online program, Amanda truly values the high-quality education she continues to receive. “I really do love the instructors. They are kind and supportive and I know I am getting the best education experience in the country.” With the ability to transfer up to 64 of the 120 credits required to graduate, other working professionals with past college or military experience can have the same opportunities as Amanda. Interested learners can request more information today.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
