Preschool Language and Skills/2


 * Created: 2011 02 28 | Percent completed: [[Image:100%.png]]

Reinforcer
Positive reinforcement, by definition, is an item or activity that when presented after a behavior increases the the behavior in the future. Simply, the item or activity is only a reinforcer if it increases an identified behavior.
 * Definition

Guidelines for use of reinforcers

 * 1) Sanitize the environment
 * 2) * Limit the availability and visibility of reinforcers, toys, and items. Put them up, onto a shelf in boxes that are labeled or in a locked room.
 * 3) * Every time a fun item appears, it is because you made it available, thereby making you more valuable.
 * 4) Approach the student with something fun
 * 5) * Approach the student with a reinforcer in an outstretched hand.
 * 6) * Make it obvious that you are approaching with something fun.
 * 7) Pair your voice and the environment with reinforcement
 * 8) * While pairing with the student’s reinforcers, say the student’s name and use short phrases to describe what you are doing.
 * 9) Make sure that what you are offering is more desirable then their current situation
 * 10) * Do not interrupt the student’s fun to do something less reinforcing.
 * 11) Make activities more fun
 * 12) * When a student is playing with a toy or engaged in a fun activity, do things that make it more enjoyable.
 * 13) Become a conditioned reinforcer
 * 14) * A conditioned reinforcer is a type of reinforcer that obtains its value by having been paired with other reinforcers.
 * 15) * Students with autism who have many conditioned reinforcers will learn important skills more easily.
 * 16) * The goal of pairing is for the student to like to be with the staff and to approach him or her without hesitation.
 * 17) * The student should be looking for ways to be with you; not escape from you.
 * 18) * Be sure this happens BEFORE you place instructional demands (ex. identifying body parts, calendar, imitation, etc.).
 * 19) * Only routine instructions should be given. For example, being asked to sit for lunch as part of the daily routine.


 * Goals
 * 1) Have at least 10 reinforcer items/activities.  If you don't, shorten teaching time and build up reinforcers.
 * 2) Parent/therapist as reinforcer (does child come to you willingly)
 * 3) Will take a food reinforcer from a table and eat it.
 * 4) Will take a food reinforcer from hand and eat it.  If not, start with popping food reinforcer into mouth at first.
 * 5) Will take a toy reinforcer and play with it safely (appropriately or inappropriately)
 * 6) No free access to reinforcer.  If the student has free access, he/she might satiate on the item and then you will no longer be able to use the reinforcer as a teaching tool.

Remember: you want the student to run TO you, not AWAY from you.