Whew.. we have done a lot of work so far. We have and understanding of the functions of behavior and recorded ABC data, evaluated the data, and creating a plan to reduce the problem behavior. Now, we want to see how we can modify the environment to further reduce the behavior and to make data collection easier for us.
Make Data Collection Easy (er)
I hesitate to call data collection “easy,” but there are many ways we can change our classrooms to make data collection simple. If you are taking data on paper, keep the data sheet on a clipboard and hang it in an easily accessible part of your classroom. I use command hooks to place things wherever I want. Attach a “pen pal” to the clipboard to always have a pencil available. I find “pen pals” in the office supply aisle at Walmart. They look like this…
If you are tired of using pencil and paper, you can try taking data electronically. You can read how to do that by clicking here.
Electronic data collecting has been a game-changer for me this year! I feel so much more organized and efficient. Another way to make data collecting easier its to train your staff to help you! Some teachers feel like they need to take all the data, but this is impossible!!
Decrease Behavior
Many great behavior plans include specific environmental modifications. Sometimes modifying the environment makes all the difference! Here are some ideas for some frequent behaviors I have encountered.
Climbing- stack multiple steppers on each other to give an appropriate object to climb on. I bet your PE teacher has some steppers!
inattentive- be sure to keep away from windows and place students next to other “on task” role models. You can also make small partitions out of cardboard.
work refusal- give the student the tasks that need to be completed and give them the choice of what to do first, second, etc., highlight certain parts of an assignment to be done,
walk in the hallway during transitions- allow the student to hold a favorite item, print out pictures of all destinations and have the student hold the picture of where you are going, push/pull a wagon or other push toy
eloping- allow non-contingent walks throughout the day, create a maze of furniture to get to the door and keep student’s work area as far from the door as possible, hang bells on the door to be alerted when the child attempts to leave the room
I will add more modifications as they come up. Do you have any ideas?