What is a Token Board?
A token board is a visual tool used to encourage positive behavior. It usually consists of a board with a certain number of tokens that lead up to a specific reward. A teacher or parent can use the token board to reward the student after a desired behavior occurs. Token boards can increase motivation and indicate to a student when a break or reward is coming.
Check out my other blog posts below to learn about implementing a traditional token board.
How Do I Get Started with a Game Board Token Chart?
- Obtain a game board and playing pieces. You can use any game board you have at home or create your own. By clicking here, check out these seasonal game board token charts in my TpT shop.
- Determine the target behavior (desired behavior) you would like your student(s) to engage in.
- Introduce the “game” to the student.
- Help the student determine what they want to earn.
- Start playing! Each time the student displays the desired behavior, they get to move a space.
- When the student gets to the end of the game, they earn their reward!
Why Try It?
Game board token boards are an excellent way to engage and motivate students. They are interactive and can be personalized to meet your individual student’s needs. The student can pick out their playing piece and feel like they are playing a game throughout the day. Furthermore, students who currently use a traditional token board might feel extra motivation for this “new way” to earn tokens.
Game board token boards can be more fun than traditional token boards because they can build a sense of competition or collaboration. Students can play teacher vs. student! The teacher moves a space on the game board when the student is not demonstrating the desired behavior. This might motivate some students to earn space moves. Other students may get too frustrated if you play teacher vs. student, so keep in mind what works best for your individual.
Things to Keep in Mind...
- When you first begin using a token board, you want the student to be successful. Establish behavioral momentum by ensuring the student earns their first reward quickly.
- Try to avoid making the student move back a space when they don’t demonstrate desired behavior. If the student is not motivated to move up a space, consider whether the reward is not motivating enough.
- Consider conducting a preference assessment to determine the most motivating rewards
Check out Seasonal Game Board Token Charts:
