If a child cannot learn the way we teach, then perhaps we should teach the way they learn.

Sometimes, we have students with disabilities, whose biggest obstacle to overcome is their poor behavior. Most students will learn from reinforcement of good behavior, negation of poor, and ignoring those bad, attention seeking, behaviors. Though, for some of our students, this will not be enough. Problem behavior is the often the roadblock to the learning process. As teachers and parents we must come up with creative ways to discourage unwanted behavior and rewarding encouraged ones. This can be as simple as a behavior chart or visual supports (stickers, reward icons, etc.).

I once had a student whose poor choices were creating a disturbance to the entire class. After having a Functional Behavioral Analysis, and many interventions, it was discovered that all she needed was a behavior chart to create open lines of communication between the parent and teacher. She would receive a "plus" for good behavior and a "minus" for poor behavior. Once this young lady realized that her daily performance would be reported to her father, she became more conscientious of her behaviors. Every time she would display unwanted behavior, instead of having to stop the entire classroom process, a simple look in her direction and statement of the word "minus" and her behavior would cease. If, at the end of the day she had more pluses than minuses she would receive a prize. If the situation was reversed, she had a note sent home.

This may not even be necessary for many students. Many students do well with the visual understanding that if they continue to behave their will be a reward for their behavior. Check out this strategy:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Necklace-Behavior-Management-in-an-Autism-Classroom-798934

Remember! It is our job to make sure their's is a smooth transition for our Pre-K and Kindergarten students into Elementary grades. Behavior is the first place we should start!!