Positive Behavior Charts for Special Education

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What Are Positive Reinforcement Charts?

Many of us probably grew up being scolded for negative behavior, whether we were grounded, had privileges taken away, or were just sent to our rooms. Times have certainly changed since then. With those changes, comes the increased use of positive wording and reinforcement, especially in the academic settings.

Since the implementation of various national-level academic initiatives throughout recent history, the focus has been on keeping students in the classroom. This is wonderful in theory, but as an educator you most likely have experienced at least one student whose behaviors negatively impact the rest of the class. Constantly pointing out and correcting the negative behaviors is usually of no help to the class, teacher, and most importantly, the student demonstrating those behaviors. Positive reinforcement can often turn that around and really motivate the student.

Positive reinforcement is the act of rewarding or praising the positive behaviors in an attempt to change, avoid, or completely stop the negative behaviors. Just like any other picture board set up, such as Reminder Boards, a positive reinforcement chart is personalized for each individual.

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Create a Positive Reinforcement Board

Steps to Create a Positive Reinforcement Chart

1. Determine the desired behavior(s).
2. Determine the reinforcement.
3. Determine how many occurrences of positive behaviors need to occur to receive the reinforcement.
4. Determine the appropriate interval for potentially earning the reinforcement
• After each activity
• Daily
• Weekly
• After a set amount of occurrences

The Behavior

Before creating a positive reinforcement chart, you need to first decide what the negative behavior is that you would like to end. Once you know that, figure out what the positive counter behavior is. For example:

• Speaking out of turn vs. Raising a quiet hand
• Running in the hall vs. Using walking feet
• Shouting vs. Using a quiet or inside voice

Those are just some basic examples. This can work for any behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

When choosing the reinforcement, it really helps to know the student. The reinforcement will only be enticing if it is something the student enjoys. It is also important to keep it realistic. As the teacher, you need to make sure the reinforcement can actually be awarded. A positive reinforcement board will not work if the student cannot actually receive the reinforcement for whatever reason.

It can often be helpful to include the student in this process. They will most likely feel more involved and will “buy” into the concept more easily. Another idea is to create a reward choice board. Include a handful of reinforcements that the student can choose from when they earn it.

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Intervals

Another aspect to keep in mind is the frequency the students will receive their reinforcements. This will sometimes depend on the behavior. If the behavior that you are trying to correct occurs frequently, consider a more frequent reinforcement. If it’s something that happens less frequently, it may make more sense to consider a less frequent reinforcement.

Home Use

The examples used are mainly for school use, but this type of behavior management technique can be used at home as well. Just think of a chore chart. When a child completes their chores, they generally receive some sort of incentive. It can also be used for personal hygiene tracking:

• Teeth Brushing
• Washing Hands
• Showering/Bathing
• Potty Chart

How to Use

Now that you have successfully created a Positive Behavior Chart, it’s time to use it. This part is simple. When the student demonstrates the desired behavior, mark it on the board. This can be with a sticker, star, check-mark, or any other way that works best. After the student successfully demonstrates the desired behavior the predetermined amount of times, they receive their reinforcement.

Positive Behavior Posters

If you want to customize behavior charts further or create standard behavior charts for an entire classroom, you might want to make positive behavior posters. They can be adapted to fit any use, especially the ones identified here, and are great if you're working in a small class or with more than one student.

Positive reinforcement is a great tool that can help replace an undesirable behavior with a more desirable one.

Frequently Asked Questions about Positive Behavior Charts For Special Education

What are some common behaviors that positive reinforcement charts can be used to encourage in children?

Positive reinforcement charts can be used to encourage a wide range of behaviors, from basic hygiene routines like brushing teeth and washing hands to more complex social skills like sharing and taking turns, to academic tasks like completing homework or practicing reading. The key is to identify specific behaviors that you want to encourage, and then create a chart that tracks progress toward those goals.

How long should you use a positive reinforcement chart or worksheet?

The length of time for using a positive reinforcement chart or worksheet will depend on the individual and the behavior being targeted. Some behaviors may be relatively easy to change and may only require a few weeks of reinforcement, while others may require ongoing reinforcement over a longer period of time. It's important to regularly assess progress and adjust the reinforcement strategy as needed.

Are there any potential drawbacks to using positive reinforcement charts or worksheets?

While positive reinforcement charts and worksheets can be an effective tools for promoting positive behavior, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of. Over-reliance on external rewards can lead to a lack of intrinsic motivation and a focus on the rewards rather than the desired behavior. Additionally, some children may become overly focused on the rewards and become discouraged or frustrated if they don't receive them. It's important to use positive reinforcement as part of a broader behavior management strategy that also includes modeling, feedback, and other positive supports.

How do you transition away from using a positive reinforcement chart or worksheet?

Once the desired behavior has been established, it's important to gradually transition away from using the positive reinforcement chart or worksheet. This can be done by gradually reducing the frequency of rewards and increasing the child's responsibility for their behavior. It's important to continue to provide positive feedback and reinforcement as needed but to also encourage the child to develop intrinsic motivation and a sense of accomplishment.