The diagnosis of a disability or a special need is only the beginning. After the initial diagnosis, treatment or management occurs. One of the undesirable characteristics or symptoms requiring treatment is often negative or undesirable behaviors. These negative behaviors can disrupt learning and development of both the individual, and all other students in the classroom. Of course, there are many types of disruptive behaviors depending on the individual, but here are some of the more common trouble behaviors that parents, caregivers, and teachers may see.
All of the behaviors mentioned above might seem like common things that children, especially younger children, have trouble with - and that is true to some extent. Children with special needs who exhibit those behaviors may experience them at a higher intensity and with more frequency. They also may not “outgrow” those behaviors as another child might.
An excellent and widely used tool to help improve the unwanted behaviors is a behavior reminder board or behavior chart. These behavior charts are most frequently used on an individual basis with a focus on the specific behaviors that the individual exhibits. Use the behavior chart template below, or create your own using Storyboard That.
How to Use Reminder Boards
Reminder boards are unique to the individual they are made for. Choose a behavior that is currently negatively impacting learning (or the home environment) the most. If the child is able to understand, you can have two targeted behaviors, but that is not as common.
In the example above, the behavior is “Good Listening”. This is one of my personal favorites because it is kind of all encompassing. It is a little more fluid in its meaning, giving the teacher a little discretion based on the student. There are two parts: the board which would be affixed to the desk or posted nearby, and separate reminder tokens. In this example, the individual would receive a sad face token for every time they need a reminder during the activity. If they still have a smiley face at the end of the activity, they receive the reinforcement reward. Instead of tokens, you can also cross out one of the boxes with marker, but this is sometimes viewed more as a punishment rather than a reminder.
Tips for Making a Reminder Board
Positive Language
Keep the wording positive by encouraging positive behaviors. For example say, “Walking Feet” as opposed to, “No Running”. Utilizing positive language can drastically improve the effectiveness of giving directions, especially with a special needs student. Positive language allows the focus to be on redirecting the negative behavior rather than being punished for it. Here are some of the more common ones:
Symbols
Use easy to understand symbols. Simpler is better when creating these types of boards. You don’t want them to be a distraction to the child. It is also important that the child gets the point of the board. Keep the symbols basic and consistent. Always use the same symbol each time for a particular item.
Reinforcement
Make the reinforcement positive, attainable, and realistic. When creating a reminder board to help combat undesirable behaviors, try using positive reinforcement. Learn what that individual is motivated by, whether it be candy, stickers, or time with a favorite toy or book. The reinforcement also needs to be realistic. If you can’t give the student candy for whatever reason, don’t make it a reinforcement. If there is not time at the end of the activity for the student to go for a quick walk in the hallway or play with a toy, then you may not want to make that an option.
It is also important to make the reinforcement attainable. If there is no way the student will be able to earn it, then you need to reconfigure your reminder board by changing the expectations so that it is attainable. Students need to make real progress towards their goals, or the student (and teacher) may become overly frustrated.
Make it Last
As teachers we spend way too much time creating things, like reminder boards, for them to be used only one time. Laminate it for a longer-lasting storyboard. Laminate the board and then laminate the reminders and reinforcers separately. Attach Velcro on both, allowing you to easily remove the reminders from the board in between activities. I also recommend creating extra reminders, they always seem to disappear.
How to Create and Use Behavior Reminder Charts in Special Education
Choose the Targeted Behavior
Identify the specific behavior that is negatively impacting learning or the home environment the most. Focus on one behavior, although two behaviors can be targeted if the child is able to understand.
Design the Reminder Board
Create a visual reminder board using a template or Storyboard That. Keep the wording positive by using encouraging language for the desired behavior. For example, use "Walking Feet" instead of "No Running." Use simple and consistent symbols that the child can easily understand.
Determine the Reminder Tokens
Decide how the reminders will be represented on the board. For example, you can use sad face tokens, crossed-out boxes, or any other method. The reminders should serve as prompts for the child to redirect their behavior.
Define the Reinforcement
Choose a positive reinforcement that motivates the individual, such as candy, stickers, or time with a favorite toy or book. Ensure that the reinforcement is realistic and attainable within the given context. If necessary, modify the expectations to make them achievable.
Laminate and Use
Laminate the reminder board for durability and longevity. Laminate the reminders and reinforcers separately as well. Attach Velcro on both the board and the reminders, allowing for easy removal and reuse between activities. Consider creating extra reminders to account for potential loss or damage.
Track Progress and Celebrate
Whenever the targeted behavior occurs, mark it on the reminder board using the chosen method. Encourage the child to make progress towards their goals. If the desired behavior is maintained until the end of the activity, provide the reinforcement as a reward. Celebrate the child's success and acknowledge their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Behavior Reminder Charts for Special Education
What types of behaviors can be addressed with behavior reminder charts?
Behavior reminder charts can be used to address a wide range of behaviors, including following directions, staying on task, exhibiting appropriate social skills, and managing emotions. The key is to identify the specific behaviors that need to be addressed and create a chart that is tailored to the individual's needs.
How can behavior reminder charts be used in special education?
Behavior reminder charts can be especially helpful for individuals with special needs, as they provide a clear and consistent structure for managing behavior. Teachers and therapists can work with students to identify specific behaviors or goals to address and then create customized charts to help them achieve those goals.
How can teachers and parents ensure that behavior reminder charts and worksheets are effective?
Consistency is key when using behavior reminder charts and worksheets. It's important to ensure that the reward and consequence system is consistently applied, and that the individual is held accountable for their actions. Regular monitoring and evaluation can also help ensure that the charts and worksheets are working effectively.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using behavior reminder charts and worksheets?
While behavior reminder charts and worksheets can be effective tools for managing behavior, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some individuals may not respond well to this type of visual support, and it may be necessary to explore other strategies. It's also important to ensure that the use of charts and worksheets does not become overly punitive or discouraging for the individual.
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