How I use Fidget Toys as reinforcers in my Classroom
Sensory
Help your students focus and keep calm while keeping little hands busy. When collecting fidget toys make sure they’re robust enough to withstand the strains they’ll be under. I buy toys that are strong enough for my students to bite, squeeze or stretch safely but still benefit their sensory needs.
Learning to Wait
When student are learning to wait and have been given a “wait” card, having something to occupy fidgety hands will sometimes help. Using a “wait” box that is filled with fidget toys, can be offered during this time to allowing students to occupy themselves, and to gradually increase the “wait” time.
As a motivator
Teachers need to be clear on how to deliver a motivator for effective learning. When, where and how many reinforcers will determine how long the learning lasts and how rapidly they learn.
When I’m teaching something new the more frequently I reinforce. When presenting a new task or skill I arrange things so that every successful effort results in a powerful reinforcer.
I find the “Reward Board” works best! and I deliver it in a variety of ways, which I tailor with students individual interests.
Token boards – A token is used like an IOU and once collected can be exchanged for the actual reinforcer. Students can start off collecting 1 token before gaining their reinforcer and build up to 10 tokens once the concept is mastered and they’re ready to learn longer.
Reinforcer icons are placed along the bottom of the card, students choose one before the task begins and tokens are distributed throughout the task!
First and Then strategies and Reward Board choices are also a great tool. I sometimes use it along side this reward system!
Id like to share some of the behaviour strategies I use with my young learners with Autism/Special needs. They provide support and structure in my behaviour support plans and run in conjunction with ABA management’. My students use these on a daily basis!
Behavior Reflection – For students to recognise their feelings and how it effects their behavior
Calm Down schedule – For students to remember the tools they can use to calm themselves.
Social Stories – To read and learn social skills do and don’ts!
Classroom Rules – To follow and remember what behavior is expected
Keeping an organised class has been much easier since I created My daily planner for my young learners.
On Page 1,2 – About me
Pages 3-4 include days of the week and seasons
pg. 5-6 schedules
pg. 7-8 working for
pg. 9 -10 When I’m feeling angry
Once laminated I gave out dry wipe markers for my students to jot down their name, grade and class, followed by teachers name, their friends name, things they like and things they don’t.
There are pages with the days of the week for my student to practice and tick off what day it is and same for seasons.
I’ve added pages for them to write out their daily schedule and tick off as they go though it.
Working for cards and reward choice were a exciting addition!
What to remember when you feel angry, “first and then” when frustrations grow and what I need visuals has made “My Daily Planner” a valuable resource for any pre school, Autism or Special Ed Classroom.
Are you overwhelmed by the amount of Behavior supports there are available out there! Are you looking for that particular one you need to help you manage behaviors and maintain structure in your classroom! These powerful strategies below might just help you create the classroom you want. Have a look at the different types of classroom management tools I use to achieve the Special Ed class I have.
# 1 Critical Communication Cards
Critical Communication Cards – To teach new skills such as requesting “break please”, “help” and “wait” self -management strategies.
QUICK TIP – I hang these cards close to my Calm Down Corner so my students have easy access.
Social Supports – To help my students understand how to behave or respond in a particular situation using a visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviours, skills or concept.
QUICK TIP –I place them on the edge of tables to remind students on their choices.
#3 Visual Folder Supports
Visual folder supports – A place for my students to keep all their daily and most used visuals all in one place, ideal for quick support.
QUICK TIP – My students use these throughout the day and follow the schedule to stay on task. They choose a reward to use with the Token Economy system and have the visuals they might need ready to use.
#4 Self Regulation Tools
.Self regulation tools – I’ve made tools individually accessible for my students to use in a handy little booklet.
QUICK TIP –I bind then as a book and keep them on hand for self management, each one tailored to individual needs that help them to self-regulate.
#5 First and Then Strategies
First and Then –By using this strategy my students know what they must complete before having what they want, it also provides structure in their behaviour support plans.
QUICK TIP –If my students are finding it difficult to stay on track, I use the first and then strategy to remind them of what they are working for.
#6 Token Economy Rewards
Token Economy – A powerful method of strengthening new skills and behaviours, The tokens are a way of “paying” my students for completing tasks and then they can be used to trade for desired activities or items they choose.
QUICK TIP –I use this board when I start teaching the Token economy strategy, its a classroom resource that I can adapt with motivator choices for individual needs.
#7 Communication Binder
Communication Binder – My students can use their Daily Binders to aid Communication throughout the day and support them with any frustration or anxiety they may feel.
QUICK TIP –My student each have their own communication book which once laminated I place in a binder to keep the visuals safe
#8 Daily Visuals
Daily Visuals – A selection of visuals for Speech Therapy, Special Education and Autism to support communication in the classroom and at home. QUICK TIP –These have bigger visuals which are more suitable for students that are learning picture to item recognition. Students can point to what they want, need or feel.
#9 Token or Ticks Cards
Token or ticks – Point cards for some of my students to earn ticks for preferred behaviour.
QUICK TIP – I print a stack of these out to use when i need them, usually when I’m teaching a focused task. I ask before starting the task what they want to working for and tick off the boxes throughout to keep them motivated and earn the reward they’ve chosen..
#10 Daily Planner
Daily Planner – This Support folder is a place for my student to keep track of the days of the week, check their schedule, ask for task items they may need and support behavior before it arises.
QUICK TIP –A class daily organiser for my higher ability students. It helps them manage their day, hold motivator visuals, and reminds them of the rules in class.
