The Importance of Pre-Skills for Special Needs Children to Begin Learning
When it comes to teaching children with special needs, one of the most essential—and often overlooked—steps is ensuring they have developed the pre-skills necessary for effective learning. These foundational abilities are the building blocks upon which academic, social, and life skills are built. Without them, children may struggle to engage in formal education, no matter how well-designed the curriculum may be.
In this blog, we explore what pre-skills are, why they are critical, and how parents, caregivers, and educators can support the development of these skills in children with special needs.
What Are Pre-Skills?
Pre-skills (also known as prerequisite skills or readiness skills) are the basic capabilities a child needs before they can successfully participate in structured learning. These skills are not academic per se, but they lay the groundwork for academic learning. They generally fall into several key areas:
Each child develops these at their own pace, but for children with special needs, development may require more focused support and intentional strategies.
Why Are Pre-Skills So Important for Children with Special Needs?
♦They Lay the Foundation for Learning
Just like you can't build a house without a solid foundation, you can't teach a child advanced skills without first ensuring basic capabilities are in place. For example, a child who cannot sit still or focus for even a short period will struggle to learn the alphabet or numbers.
♦ They Reduce Frustration and Increase Success
When a child is expected to perform tasks they're not ready for, frustration sets in—for both the child and the teacher. Ensuring pre-skills are in place helps reduce this emotional burden and creates more opportunities for success.
♦ They Promote Independence
Pre-skills often include abilities like following simple instructions, making choices, or asking for help—all of which help children become more independent and confident in learning environments.
♦ They Enhance Social Inclusion
Many pre-skills are social in nature: making eye contact, taking turns, and interpreting facial expressions. These are critical for building friendships and functioning in group settings like classrooms.
Key Pre-Skills and How to Support Them
• Attention and Focus
Why it matters: Learning requires sustained focus on a task or instruction.
Activities: Use short, engaging activities that gradually increase in duration. Use visual schedules and minimize distractions.
• Communication Skills
Why it matters: Children need to express needs, understand instructions, and engage socially.
Activities: Use visual aids, sign language, AAC devices, or simple verbal cues to build communication.
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Why it matters: These skills are crucial for writing, self-care, and classroom participation.
Activities: Play-based learning like stacking blocks, drawing with crayons, or playing catch.
• Social and Emotional Readiness
Why it matters: Learning often happens in a group. A child needs to manage emotions and interact appropriately with peers.
Activities: Role-playing, social stories, and emotion-identification games help with these skills.
• Sensory Processing
Why it matters: Over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli can disrupt learning.
Activities: Sensory play (like sand trays or textured toys), calming routines, and sensory breaks can help regulate responses.
Identifying Gaps in Pre-Skills
→ It's important to assess where a child is developmentally. This can be done through:
→ Observation by caregivers and teachers
→ Developmental checklists
→ Assessments by professionals like occupational therapists, speech therapists, and educational psychologists
→ Understanding where a child may need support helps tailor an effective, individualized learning plan.
Collaboration is Key
Supporting the development of pre-skills requires a team approach. Parents, teachers, therapists, and even siblings can all contribute to creating consistent routines and expectations. Consistency across home and school environments helps the child generalize these skills to different settings.
Final Thoughts
Before diving into academics or formal therapy goals, it's crucial to ensure that a child has the pre-skills they need to succeed. Investing time and attention in these early skills can unlock a world of learning for children with special needs, making their educational journey more engaging, meaningful, and successful.
Let’s remember: Every milestone begins with a first step. For special needs children, developing pre-skills is that vital first step toward lifelong learning and independence.
