Which step involves arranging the environment to encourage child initiation in incidental teaching?

The correct answer involves the step of "Set up," which is integral to incidental teaching. In this context, setting up refers to arranging the environment in a way that promotes opportunities for children to initiate communication. This step is crucial because it creates an engaging and stimulating atmosphere where children are more likely to express their needs, desires, or curiosities.

By thoughtfully organizing materials, toys, or activities, the facilitator can foster situations where the child is encouraged to interact verbally. For example, placing preferred toys just out of reach can motivate a child to ask for the toy, thereby initiating communication. This proactive arrangement not only supports the child's communication skills but also enhances their motivation to interact socially.

The other steps may play important roles in the overall process of incidental teaching. Controlling access, for instance, focuses on managing what items the child can obtain, which could limit their opportunities for initiation. The look/pause method emphasizes taking a moment to encourage the child to respond or communicate further without unnecessary prompting. Prompting, meanwhile, involves providing specific cues for communication, which is distinct from the preparatory work of setting up the environment. In summary, "set up" is a foundational step that effectively encourages child-initiated communication in incidental teaching by creating an environment