To promote Lisa's interaction with peers, a child with a physical impairment who often draws alone, which strategy is most effective?

• A. asking Lisa during circle time to talk about her favorite drawings and why she likes them
• B. encouraging Lisa to join her classmates in the dramatic play area
• C. suggesting that Lisa take home art supplies so that she can choose other activities during free time
• D. drawing with Lisa in the art center and inviting a peer to join them

Answer: (D)

Encouraging collaborative play by sharing a familiar activity with a peer is the most effective way to promote interaction. When Lisa draws in the art center and a classmate is invited to join them, the activity provides a common goal and a natural reason to talk, negotiate, and help each other. This kind of shared participation helps reduce focus on her impairment by framing participation around the task they’re doing together, which supports social skills, cooperation, and peer relationships in a comfortable, meaningful context. It also gives peers a concrete doorway to include her, modeling inclusive behavior and creating ongoing opportunities for interaction.

Speaking about her favorite drawings during circle time, while valuable for self-expression, doesn’t create the same level of immediate, ongoing peer engagement in a collaborative task. Suggesting she join dramatic play could help with interaction, but it may not connect to her current drawing interest or provide as strong a shared activity as creating art together. Taking art supplies home removes the chance for on-site social interaction and active inclusion during the school day.