Behaviour Strategies that Work

Over the past 15 years, I have worked with many children of various Special Needs, including my own son. I have tried and tested many different behaviour strategies that have worked and some that haven't. There hasn't been a child that I have not helped in some way with a strategy. I have compiled a list of these strategies so that anyone can use them.

I have broken down these strategies into categories, visual, physical, and emotional.

Visual: 

 1. Happy Face Strategy

You start with a large happy face and cut it into 4 pieces, I usually made it a bright colour. When the child accomplished the required task, they would receive 1/4 of the Happy Face. When they received all 4 pieces they would get a reward. This does not have to be a Happy Face, but any visual that can be broken down into 4 pieces.

2. Check Marks or Stickers

You will need to start off with a checklist of tasks the child needs to accomplish and agree on what time limits are appropriate for the child. When the child accomplishes the task they get a check mark or favourite sticker. Sufficient amount of stickers will be rewarded.

3.Visual Timers

The use of visual timers can be a positive behaviour strategy either at home or in the classroom. However, you need to recognize if this increases anxiety in some children. You may find that they are focusing on the timer instead of the task at hand. Timers can be used for an individual child or a group of children.

4. Visual Schedules

This usually consists of pictures and/or words to provide the child with an idea of what to expect during the day. It can be also used for each task the child is working on and the reward they will receive when complete.

Physical

1. Monetary Strategy

I have used play money for this system. The child has a jar, they can use certain values of play money equal to what task they have accomplished. At the end of the week, they can count the money and get to cash it in on a reward. This could be a coupon or real money.

2. Marble Strategy

The child has a jar has lines drawn on the outside to represent when they have reached a goal and will get a reward. This strategy is for both the adult and child to decide if they can add marbles or if they need to be taken away. It is very good at helping the child recognize their own behaviour and how it affects others. Any other object can be used instead of marbles, fuzzy balls, beads etc.


Emotional

1. Community Charts

Community charts are usually set up where everyone can see. It is usually used by more than one child. This consists of attainable goals, but also consequences. Using close pins, magnets or any object with the child's name they are moved according to their behaviour throughout the day. If they reach the goal they receive a reward. I have found that this strategy works for most children, but for some it can be very dibilitating emotionally.

2. Cards or sticky notes


Using small pieces of laminated paper with various feel good quotes is a good, personal use of a behaviour strategy. You can give the child a card or note when they are doing well, it encourages them to reach their goal and receive a reward. Using the cards to encourage a break, or a short walk can help if you see the child struggling with a task. This method is quiet and discrete which will also help with emotional upset.

In summary, most children respond to some strategy in which both rewards and consequences are given. Rewards can be anything that the child likes, example, taking a friend to read a book, time to draw, a favourite food or treat. In my work I have used sugar-free gum, and special coupons to special activities. It should be what the child is willing to work towards. Its been my experience that most children that have extreme behaviours need to have realistic goals that are achievable and they can become successful. Some children benefit by achieving a goal within a 30-minute time limit. They need to be rewarded instantly, over time this can be gradually increased. It is very important that you start small so these strategies can be successful.