Implementing behavior strategies in any autism or ABA classroom often requires a proactive approach. By focusing on preventative strategies, we can often reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors before they arise. Here are three key strategies—priming, pre-correction, and behavioral momentum—that can make a meaningful difference.
Priming: Setting the Stage for Success
One of the most effective behavior strategies often overlooked is that of priming. Priming involves preparing students for upcoming activities or changes in routine by giving them a “preview” of what to expect. This behavior strategy is particularly helpful for students who struggle with transitions or unexpected changes. Priming can take many forms, such as reviewing a schedule for the day, showing visuals of expected behaviors, or modeling steps for a specific activity. By helping students anticipate what’s coming, priming can ease anxiety and make transitions smoother.
Examples include:
- Group activities: Before group instruction, review the steps involved and remind students of the behaviors expected, such as taking turns or keeping hands to themselves.
- Field Trips: Days before a field trip, introduce students to the trip location with photos or a virtual tour. Walk through the schedule, covering details like bus rides, group activities, and rules about staying with the group. Remind them of the behavior expectations in different settings (e.g., inside a museum vs. outside at a zoo).
- Recess: Before going outside, prime students on appropriate playground behavior. Review visuals or social narratives of the playground equipment and model behaviors like taking turns, playing safely, and asking for help if needed. Reinforce expectations about transitioning back to class calmly when recess ends.
Pre-Correction: Prompting Appropriate Behavior
Pre-correction is another of my favorite proactive behavior strategies that involves prompting or reminding students of desired behaviors right before they enter a situation where problem behaviors might arise. By reminding students of the appropriate behaviors in advance, we can set a positive expectation and help students mentally rehearse the correct response.
Example: Before transitioning to lunch, remind students to walk quietly and keep hands by their sides. This clear, specific prompt can reduce instances of running or shouting on the way to the cafeteria.
Behavior Momentum: Building Success Before Challenges
My favorite of all proactive behavior strategies has to be behavior momentum. Behavioral momentum involves starting with a series of easy, high-probability requests (tasks the student is likely to complete without resistance) before introducing a more challenging task.
This creates a “momentum” of success and compliance, which can make students more likely to complete the less preferred task. Behavioral momentum is especially effective for tasks that students may find aversive or challenging.
Examples:
- Before asking a student to transition from an engaging activity to a less-preferred one (e.g., math class), start with a few easy requests, such as “high-five a friend,” “put your pencil in the bin,” and “stand up.” These quick successes create momentum, making it easier for the student to follow the final transition prompt. This simple strategy has helped me teach learners to transition successfully from reward breaks such as free-draw or iPad time back to work with ease!
- Before asking a student to complete a challenging math problem, you might ask them to complete a few simpler, more enjoyable tasks, like counting or naming colors.
- If cleaning up toys is difficult, begin with a few easy, enjoyable requests: “clap twice,” “touch your nose,” and “put one toy on the shelf.” By quickly completing these requests, the student builds momentum and is more likely to continue cleaning up.
Putting these Behavior Strategies Together
Using these behavior strategies in combination can be particularly effective. For example, you might prime students by previewing an upcoming transition, use pre-correction to remind them of the expected behavior, and create behavioral momentum by building a series of positive, manageable steps leading up to a difficult task. Together, these behavior strategies foster a supportive environment where students feel prepared and capable, reducing the likelihood of challenging behaviors.
By focusing on proactive behavior strategies like priming, pre-correction, and behavioral momentum, educators can create a classroom environment that feels predictable, supportive, and conducive to learning. This approach not only helps prevent behavior challenges but also empowers students to engage more successfully with their environment.
