mrv
Posted : 7/13/2006 8:09:59 AM
Depending on your kids, there is an "easy" operant conditioning activity. Kids are divided into two groups "trainers" and "students". Make sure you do the activity so both kids get a chance, not necessarily on the same day.
One kid is the trainer. One kid is the student. This is a minimal talking activity with only a "bridge" word used to communicate to the student the behavior or action was closer to the end result. The cue or bridge word is up to you.
Rationale: communication is good and it has to be clear to help someone solve a problem. communication doesnt have to have lots of words. using cues and hints may be a good way to learn certain kinds of things. teachers/trainers can be guides who can help students learn new things
The trainer is told a specific behavior. A whole group lesson with discussion and demonstration is done with you and another student. Essentially you "click" or bridge the behaviors that would result in the other student looking out the door, or getting out a pencil, or putting their head on the desk, or sitting sideways in the seat. One of the easiest ways to frame the task is to talk about the hot and cold game for positioning kids used to play alot.
Once kids seem to have the idea. Set up your groups. Play the game about 5-6 times over the course of two weeks. It can be a real hit. It also makes for a really easy to maintain and monitor inside recess activity or reward based activity if you have a class management system. Just put it in the reward bank for kid choice.
Depending on your $ resources, I would actually use clickers. There are some really inexpensive plastic toy options at either oriental trading or funexpress.
The "student" is to slowly try different things until the "trainer" gives them a signal the behavior was closer to the final action.