Learning Through Play: How Naturalistic ABA Teaching Works at The Sunshine Academy
Updated: 2 days ago
Not every ABA skill is taught at a table with flashcards. At The Sunshine Academy in Broken Arrow, a lot of learning happens inside play, snacks, transitions, and everyday moments—what clinicians often call naturalistic teaching.
Naturalistic teaching (sometimes called Natural Environment Teaching or NET) means the therapist follows your child's interests and weaves goals into activities that already feel motivating. A preferred toy, a game of chase, or helping set out cups can become the backdrop for communication, waiting, or social skills.
What naturalistic ABA looks like in a session
The therapist notices what your child is already drawn to and joins that play
Goals are practiced in short, meaningful moments instead of only structured drills
Praise and access to preferred items follow successful attempts in real time
Skills are practiced across rooms, people, and materials so they stick beyond one table
Structured teaching still matters. Naturalistic work sits alongside it so skills show up where life actually happens—not only when a worksheet is out. A strong day often includes both: focused practice and living-room-style practice.
Why parents notice the difference at home
When practice happens during play and routines, children often stay more engaged. Parents also get clearer ideas for carrying strategies into the car, the grocery store, or bedtime, because the teaching already looked like real life.
Ask your BCBA which goals are being practiced naturalistically this month and which still need more structured teaching. That mix should make sense for your child's age, motivation, and current priorities.
At both of our Broken Arrow locations—2208 W Detroit St and 304 N Beech Circle—teams plan for that blend of structured and naturalistic teaching so progress can travel with your family.
Curious how this would look for your child?
Ask during a tour or parent meeting how much of the day uses naturalistic teaching, which goals are practiced in play, and how you will get updates. Call The Sunshine Academy at 918-900-6237 or email hello@thesunshine.academy. Hours are Monday–Friday 8am–6pm.
Looking for ABA therapy in Broken Arrow or the Tulsa area? Learn about our ABA therapy services, or request services to get started.
