Using a Token Board System
Why a Token Board?
Engaging in non-preferred activities during the day can be a challenge for many students. You can often predict that challenging behaviors will take place during certain activities like writing, the bathroom routine, or coming in from playing outside. A positive reinforcement system can turn these activities into positive, pleasurable activities.
Tips for Using a Token Board
Using a token board system provides students with visual information about “how and when” to earn their reinforcer (e.g., when all the tokens are on the board, the reinforcer is earned). Be sure to pair this visual system of “how and when” along with a visual of the reinforcer (tangible item or photo of item on the board).
- Bring reinforcers to the activity (tangible items or picture representations that you know your student enjoys).
- Prior to the activity, prepare the student. Let him know that the activity is beginning or ending, and ask him what he wants to work for. Show the choices. If he doesn't want something you have, get additional items. Something is only reinforcing if the student wants it.
- Once she makes a choice tell her what she needs to do to earn the item chosen (e.g., 3 pennies then puzzle). Break down the activity into a small step. Tell the student one step at a time.
- Reinforce every step done correctly/appropriately (e.g., "penny on"). When all pennies are earned, take a break and allow the student time with the reinforcer. Then, let the student choose a reinforcer to work for again and repeat the steps above.
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