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.

Medical Marijuana, Real Benefits or Just an Excuse

Since I was a teenager and first introduced to this drug, I've always been afraid of it. Not sure if it was the stigma of it being a drug or was I just afraid of the consequences, both physical and moral. This feeling has never wavered throughout my life. Until now I have only concentrated on the negative aspects of Marijuana. 

I see both sides from the use of this drug. Personally it has affected my youngest son. Smart, outgoing, goal oriented, has become lazy, no ambition, no goals for his future. Unfortunately, this has been the reality of the drug in my home. For many years, I see it as an enabler to hold people back from participating in life. I've seen and heard many stories of young people who go on to try harder drugs and become addicted which leads them down and desolate path. 

Recently however I have seen miracles happen for young adults and children who more conservative treatments have failed. I have watched documentaries of children who suffer from debilitating conditions become connected with their world. They learn how to communicate, become mobile and engage with their surroundings. To me, this is amazing and applaud the parents who have never given up to find something to help their disabled children. 

But where do we draw the line, do we legalize this drug and make it available to be prescribed in controlled quantities? Or do we continue to look at those who use this drug as a crutch or a gateway to other addictions? Like I said, I'm not an advocate for Marijuana, and I know that my situation is not unique. However, if it can benefit some people why not use it.If monitored by a doctor, the chance of addiction will be low. I wonder what the future will bring.

Being and Educational Assistant

I have always been confident in my skills as an Educational Assistant, and always have had a wealth of knowledge to draw from. Working with children is a passion of which I have a few. I love to both be and educator and a mentor for children.

Tomorrow I will meet administration for my placement in the school for September. I am more anxious than previous years. I know I will get a job placement but wondering what position, and who would be a good fit. This is extremely important, for if there isn't a good fit between and EA and a child neither one will bond or flourish. It is something that I know all EA's want, a child who they can help to grow, both academically and socially.

Not knowing your position for the next school year has been a part of my life for the last 15 years. In the beginning, we didn't find out until August, whether we had a job or not. At least for the last 10 years we are able to find out in June, thus being able to enjoy our summer.

This year is different for me as I have been off work for the last 5 mths, due to a broken elbow and subsequent surgery. Not yet having a full functioning arm, has made this decision a bit delicate. I have worked with many children with varying needs over my career. In the last 6 years, I have chosen what the school system call behaviour. I love working with the children that are challenging! Even though sometimes they can get a little uncontrollable, that has never made me nervous, until now.

I have had to recently question my ability to control a child in a critical situation. Will I be able to use my past knowledge in Non Violent Crisis Intervention to help or will I end up hurting myself. I know I am not the same person physically that I was when I left, involuntarily, in January. This could mean that I will have to use my other skills that I have developed to prevent a crisis from happening. I feel I must focus on the positive and pull from my knowledge and skills that I have of children. If I do this I know that I shall overcome whatever physical issues I have. Wish me luck!