After reviewing thousands of children’s viewing style of Gemiini, we have identified the following 3 categories. Engaged viewers, Peekers, and Resistant Viewers.
Engaged Viewers
Identified as:
● 50% New Watchers
● Repeat sounds and words with the video
● Copy movements seen on the screen
● IDEAL watching style
Tips
● Praise and reinforce
● Keep them wanting more
○ No more than 90 minutes a day
○ No more 30 minutes at a time
Engaged viewers make up about ½ or 50% of Gemiini’s NEW student population. They actively watch and engage with the videos from the start. With a quick model of expectations from an adult, they begin repeating sounds or words, and copying movements seen in the videos.
To keep a child engaged with Gemiini, praise and reinforce them as they talk and move along with the video. Also, do not let them OVERWATCH in the beginning--90 minutes max a day. We want to keep them wanting more.
Peekers
Identified as:
● 35% New Watchers
● Passive “peek” watching style
● Don’t always repeat sounds, words or movements
● Likes to “play” while watching
● Appear to not be paying attention
Tips
● Let them play while viewing Gemiini
● Just NO other electronics during viewing
● Model expectations of engagement with the video
● Reinforce looking at the screen
● Reinforce ANY speech made during the video
● Model talking & moving with video
Peekers make up the second largest group, and include roughly 35% of new Gemiini watchers. Peekers passively watch Gemiini. They like to “peek” at the screen while attending to another task or toy. This is okay, allow them to continue watching while playing--just no other electronics while Gemiini is playing. This group will often not repeat sounds or words, or complete the movements, every viewing--they may even seem like they are “not paying attention.” But don’t let peekers fool you--if they can see the screen (even from a distance) they are obtaining the information. Passively viewing Gemiini has been proven sufficient to learn the video content, it may take longer than an engaged viewer, but they are learning.
To try to help children gain more engagement with the videos, notice every time they look at the screen or say a sound and immediately praise and reinforce them. “Nice looking” “Great moooo!” also, Continue modeling expectations when you can by responding to the video as you would want them to. But don’t be too pushy, many young children with ASD are very shy, and actually don’t like to be praised, and pointing out when they are looking at Gemiini may actually backfire with them. So, if they seem shy, just let them learn the way they feel comfortable.
Resistant Watchers
Identified as:
● 15% of New Viewers
● Behaviors arise
● Attempt to escape the environment
Tips:
● Start watching the “High Interest” videos
● Praise appropriate behavior
● Praise engagement in the video
● Slowly introduce standard Gemiini Videos
● Schedule a call with a product specialist
Resistant viewers make up about 15% of new gemiini watchers. If negative behaviors ensue when you play a gemiini video, or a child insists on leaving the room, you have a resistant watcher. For this group of children we have created a more engaging gemiini format known as our “high Interest” video collection. When introducing Gemiini into your daily routine use the high interest collection. Praise all appropriate behavior and engagement in watching. For example “Nice sitting” “Good looking at the video”
Once they tolerate Gemiini, Slowly try to introduce the standard video format ONCE daily habits are established
Regardless of viewing style , with patience and putting in place a few strategies, they can all learn from Gemiini.