1. Clearly state when the activity is going to end
This can be a simple strategy, and perhaps all that is needed. If a child doesn't know when something is going to end, they think it will go on forever. Just telling them a time can be enough for them to be able to tolerate the activity. If your child doesn't understand time concepts yet, you can use something more concrete. For example, circle time will end after 4 songs. Or we will leave our family reunion after dessert.
2. Use a strategy to allow them to see progress
If the above isn't quite enough you can use a fill in a grid with checkmarks or stickers. Divide a piece of paper into sections that represent even time intervals. After each interval (say 5 minutes) with acceptable behaviour, the child gets to give them self a check (or a sticker). It allows them to see the progression of time, and you can put a reinforcer at the end for them to look forward to.
3. Use a reinforcer at the end
Ideally, the reinforcer should be related to the activity. For example, leaving, or finishing the activity might be a reinforcer in itself. However, you also may need something a little more powerful, such as a favourite activity.
4. Try to include things they like
If possible, try to use elements of things they like in the activity. For circle time ask the teacher to sing songs about their favourite things (like animals, or letters). At a relatives house, try to get others to talk to them about their favourite things, or have a favourite game to play.
5. Offer choice
Every activity has some opportunities for choice if you think creatively. For example, at circle time they can choose where to sit, or what song to start with. For homework, it can be where to sit, what colour pen to use, what subject to do first. These great tips and more can be found in the following book
No comments:
Post a Comment