Bucket time - Attention Autism

Lesson: Communication, Language and Listening

Class: Reception M & W Year: 2023 - 2024

Attention Autism is an intervention model designed by Gina Davies, 
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. It aims to develop natural 
and spontaneous communication through the use of visually based 
and highly motivating activities. Gina’s primary objective is that the 
sessions are fun and “offer an irresistible invitation to learn”!

Aims of Attention Autism
1. To engage attention
2. To improve joint attention
3. To develop shared enjoyment in group activities
4. To increase attention in adult-led activities
5. To encourage spontaneous interaction in a natural group setting
6. To increase non-verbal and verbal communication 
7. To build a wealth and depth of vocabulary
8. To have fun!

Stages of Attention Autism
The Attention Autism programme progresses through a series of 
stages, building on each skill level. Each new stage is introduced 
when the group is ready to expand attention skills. Not all stages 
should be done if the child is not ready, start with stage 1 and 
gradually increase when the child is ready.

Stage 1: Attention Grabber
Use bubbles to bring children to circle. 
Divide a small whiteboard into three sections and draw the bucket 
(“First we're doing bucket”) and the attention builder (“Then we're 
doing pizza kitchen”), then the turn taking phase (‘Then it’s time for 
star dust). 
Sing 'What's in the bucket?' song and pull out 3 items one at a time 
from the bucket- visually exciting for the children. Play with and 
then put back in. 

Stage 2: Attention builder: 
Same attention builder every day for a week. This is something that 
should hold the children’s attention for a longer period of time. This 
part should be visually stimulating activities that are shown to the 
group by the adult leader, aiming to sustain attention for a longer 
period. The activities are fun, visually engaging and can often involve 
delightful mess. 

Stage 3: Turn taking 
Same attention builder every day for a week. This is something that 
encourages the children to take turns, only choose 2 or 3 children to 
participate each time. The adult leader demonstrates a simple 
activity, often modelled with another adult in the group. Some children 
are then invited to have a turn but only if they are comfortable to do 
so.

Please see the video attached for an example of our bucket time