How to make positive reinforcement sucessful
- Positive reinforcement relies on targeting specific behaviors (for example: Hitting, back talking, getting out of their seat).
- Sit down with the child and talk about what is expected of them and decide on a feasible reward/time frame
- The goals should be specific to the individual child's needs. Having the child help decide on the goals and rewards gives them a sense of ownership. This sense of ownership will make it more likely that they will follow through with their goals
- Make sure the expectations are clear and the rewards are quick and attainable. As the child displays more and more appropriate behavior the time between rewards can be increased. If the initial rewards are not quick and attainable the child could lose interest or get frustrated which can increase problem behaviors.
- The reward must be given immediatly after the appropriate behavior is displayed.
- The child can go through what is called an extinction burst. This is where there is a temporary increase in the bad behavior followed by the child giving up. Think about it like this, you go to the soda machine to get a coke. You put your money in and push the button, but nothing comes out. You get mad and hit the button a few more times thinking you are going to have a different result. Still no coke comes out so you give up and walk away.
- Most importantly BE CONSISTENT. If the children see that you are lienient or change the rules then it undermines what you are trying to accomplish.
Examples of Goals
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Examples of Reinforcers
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