Positive TeachingTechniques 2

Helpful techniques for teaching children new skills.

Part 1

In Part 1 of Positive Teaching Techniques, we covered 9 techniques:

Active Listening

Chaining

Cues/Prompts

Differential Reinforcement

Discrimination Training

Environmental Manipulation

Fading of Cues/Prompts

Generalization Training

Graduated Guidance

In Part 2 of Positive Teaching Techniques, we will cover 8 more techniques:

Incidental Teaching

Modeling

Redirection

Reinforcement

Relaxation Training

Shaping

Token Economics

Voluntary Time Out

Part 2

This involves using “teachable moments”

Those who support individuals use normally occurring situations as well as random and unplanned occurrences to provide “on the spot teaching”

Incidental Teaching

Incidental TeachingExample

Using slide shows, role play, or flip cards can useful in teaching “Stranger Danger”.

If you’re out in the community, and a stranger offers the consumer a piece of candy, take the time to teach about Stranger Danger right then and there. Using this unplanned occurrence can be a helpful tool to understanding Stranger Danger.

This is what’s called a “teachable moment”

Modeling

Demonstrating the desired behavior to be imitated.

Modeling Example

If the consumer sees you doing the dishes, it’ll be easier for them to want to learn to do dishes.

Any new activity or skill can seem scary or unrealistic, but if they see someone they trust doing it, it is more likely they will be receptive.

Model the behavior you would like to see in them.

Redirection

A technique where the person is instructed to a different area, activity, choice, or focus in order to interrupt the current behavior, AND then problem solving to address the reason for the behavior, and/or training the acceptable replacement behavior.

Redirection Example

If a consumer is throwing a tantrum over the TV being turned off…• direct them to a different activity. “Would you

like to make cookies or go to the park?” • Take them into a different room• Focus them on something else like a phone,

book, or toy

That’s the first half!

Redirection ExampleContinued

After interrupting the current behavior, then use problem solving to address the reason for the behavior.

Now that you’re at the park, “Why did you get so upset when the TV was turned off?” “What can we do next time so you know when it’s time to change activities?” “Let’s set up a chart, or have a timer.”

Reinforcement

Any event/item that immediately follows a behavior which increases the likelihood of the behavior occurring again. This includes gaining objects, activities, interactions, occurrences or tokens/symbols

Reinforcement Example

Creating a system to reward good behavior. i.e.

Brushing teeth=5 minutes of computer time

Helping clean up after dinner=cookie

Tying shoe=sticker

Getting dressed independently=2 stickers

Each math problem=1 point

10points=$1

Find what works for your consumer, and use it as a reward for positive behavior.

Relaxation Training

Using different strategies help a person remain calm or use self calming techniques in situations that otherwise produce stress or anxiety.

Relaxation TrainingExamples

If your consumer is stressed, anxious, or angry, try one of the following relaxation techniques:• Deep breathing• Laying down• Visualizing a calm space• Counting to 20• Going for a walk• Yoga• Listening to music• Being by yourself• A warm bath

Shaping

A procedure that reinforces, in a planned sequence, closer and closer steps to learning a skill.

Shaping Example

To Teach John to complete a worksheet. Start with the simplest task, and gradually increase it until it’s completed.

1. John will write his name at the top of the worksheet. 

2. John will complete one problem of his choice. 

3. John will complete five problems of his choice. 

4. John will complete either all the odd numbered problems or all

the even numbered problems. 

5. John will complete all problems except one. 

6. John will complete all problems.

Token Economics

A reward system where symbols are given for positive behavior, then saved and exchanged for items of larger value.

Symbols can be poker chips, stars on a chart, stickers, checks on a calendar, etc.

Token EconomicsExample

Full chart=going out for ice cream

10 poker chips=1 hour of computer time

25 stickers= new toy

30 checks on Calendar=going to a movie

Picking up Toys Washing Hands Saying “Please”

Voluntary Time Out

A procedure where the individual chooses to go to an area away from others to allow time and space to deal with stressors in the environment or feelings that can lead to difficult behavior.

MUST be voluntary.

Voluntary Time Out Example

When a consumer is in a stressful environment, or is becoming agitated, let them go to an area away from others, homework, or whatever is causing them stress.

It must be voluntary.

Review

Applying these positive teaching techniques:Incidental Teaching

Modeling

Redirection

Reinforcement

Relaxation Training

Shaping

Token Economics

Voluntary Time Out

Will help create a positive learning environment for both you and your consumer.

Active Listening

Chaining

Cues/Prompts

Differential Reinforcement

Discrimination Training

Environmental Manipulation

Fading of Cues/Prompts

Generalization Training

Positive Teaching Techniques

Incidental Teaching

Modeling

Redirection

Reinforcement

Relaxation Training

Shaping

Token Economics

Voluntary Time Out

Graduated Guidance