Token Reinforcement Systems…..Beyond the Sticker

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 such as instructional sessions, the bathroom routine or coming in from playing outside. A token reinforcement system can turn these activities into positive, pleasurable activities. Using a token board system provides students with important visual information and encouragement to complete the required activity or task. It also tells the student how long he/she needs to wait before earning a preferred item or activity. Student success using a token board can be achieved by following a few simple steps:

1. Teach the student how to use a token board system using backward chaining. Starting with four pennies pre-loaded on the board ensures that the student will be immediately successful. Once the student earns the fifth and final penny, he/she can immediately exchange the token board for a preferred item or activity. Over time continue using this backward chaining strategy by pre-loading the penny board with three pennies and the student earns the final two pennies. The instructor can slowly increase the number of pennies that the student has to earn until eventually the student is working for all five pennies.
2. Be a careful observer! Students need to have access to engaging and motivating items and activities. Providing a variety and constantly rotating the items and activities can be the key to keeping students motivated and engaged in instruction.
3. Be creative. If your student enjoys counting the pennies, make this a part of trading in his/her pennies. If the student prefers to immediately receive the item/activity, skip this part and allow the student to gain access to the item/activity as soon as five pennies are earned.

PENNY BOARD_Classroom Tools.jpg

Media Folder: 

Media Root

Click here to purchase a Penny Board Token Kit