Car travel is one of the most convenient ways to get around. Many of us are used to simply hopping in the car and letting it take us to our destination. It’s one of the easiest ways to travel. Easy, that is, until we’re traveling with someone for whom that experience can create major apprehension. With potential detours, distractions, and unpredictable events, car rides can be very distressing for some of our Learners. That’s where the Floreo lesson Relaxed Ride with Alejandro can make a big difference.
In Relaxed Ride with Alejandro, the Learner gets into the back seat of a car with a friendly, familiar character. Before the car begins moving, the Learner puts on a seatbelt, and then the ride begins. During the lesson, the Coach can introduce interruptions to the ride, such as stopping at a gas station or pulling over to let an ambulance pass by. Reminders to use calming strategies are also provided to help the Learner cope with these unexpected moments.
To help keep the mood light during car rides, we developed a simple song using AI tools:
Relaxed Ride:
We are riding in the car, In the car
We are riding in the car, In the car
We are sitting Buckled in
Feel the seatbelt on our skin
We are riding very safely in the car
[Chorus]
Riding in the car, In the car
Riding in the car, Near and far
I can breathe in, I can breathe out
I can sing or I can count
I feel safer when I’m riding in the car
[Verse 2]
Sometimes lights go flashing by, Flashing by
Sometimes sounds feel way too high, Way too high
If it’s loud and feels too much, I can ask for help and such
“I need quiet” is a thing that I can say
[Chorus]
Riding in the car, In the car (nice and calm)
Riding in the car, Near and far
I can breathe in, I can breathe out
I can sing or I can count
I feel safer when I’m riding in the car
[Verse 3]
If an ambulance goes past, Whooshing past (woo-woo-woo)
If an ambulance goes past, Going fast
We can slow and let it through, “That’s its jobNot mine to do”
Then we wait until the rushing sound is gone
[Chorus]
[Verse 4]
We might stop to fill the tank, Fill the tank
We might stop to fill the tank, Fill the tank
I can stay in, Door all shut, Or hold hands if I get up
We come back and then we’re ready for the road
[Verse 5]
When we have to stop and wait at a light
When we have to stop and wait at a light
Red means stopping, That’s okay
Green means going on our way
Yellow says “We’re getting ready. Hold on tight”
[Chorus]
Riding in the car
In the car (here we go)
Riding in the car
Near and far
I can breathe in
I can breathe out
I can sing or I can count
I feel safer when I’m riding in the car
[Bridge]
If my tummy feels strange, If my thoughts feel strange
I can say, “This is hard”
I can say “Slow the car”
We can pause, Take a break, That’s okay
[Chorus]
Riding in the car, In the car (I’m okay)
Riding in the car, Near and far
I can breathe in, I can breathe out
I can sing or I can count
Safe and happy travels!