Objects of Reference and Signifiers
| An object of reference (OOR) is a tactile, three dimensional item which through consistent use becomes a relevant point of reference for a specific activity, place or person. For example, showing a spoon to a child with CLN and a VI, and then following that up with the introduction of a meal can, if delivered consistently, allow that child to anticipate that they are about to be fed. That reassurance, that knowledge of what is happening around about you and even to you, is invaluable to a child with significant difficulties. OOR can become extremely useful in order to provide pupils with a predictable, safe structure to their day as well as promoting a level of independence.
As with OOR, signifiers can be a useful tool in terms of communicating with a child who has a VI and CLN. Our current practice provides the children and young people with daily signifiers – there is a sound, a smell, a touch and a colour to signify each day of the week. For example, pupils are presented with some pop music during Monday morning group times, as well as a piece of yellow felt which has had lemon essence sprinkled on it. Jazz music, and green scourer pads with mint essence are presented to the pupils on Tuesdays. Consistent delivery of these signifiers will help our pupils to develop an awareness of routines and therefore security about an aspect of their lives. |
|
Day |
Colour |
Smell |
Texture |
Sound |
| Monday | Yellow | Lemon | Sponge
|
Uptown Funk |
| Tuesday | Green | Mint | Scourer
|
Blue Moon |
| Wednesday | Orange | Orange | Silk
|
Malanga Ska |
| Thursday | Red | Strawberry | Velvet
|
Clair de Lune |
| Friday | Brown | Coffee | Cords
|
Day Tripper |
Objects of reference
| Event | Object of reference |
| Good Morning | Glove |
| Home time/End of day | Bag |
| Sensory room | Rotating light toy |
| Pool | Towel |
| Gym hall | Small bell ball |
| Outings | Seat belt |
