Behavior Momentum

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Behavior Momentum is an antecedent strategy used to increase compliance. To motivate a student to respond to low probability request (hard or non-preferred task) by the use of high probability requests (easy or mastered tasks).

Behavior Momentum

· Maintains and increases motivation

· Increases behavior compliance

· Helps to avoid power struggles

· Maintenance of goals

· Builds confidence

· Reduces frustration

· Helps to regain attention

Step 1: Identify problem tasks/requests

· Instructions a students may have a low likelihood of following.

Step 2: Identify easy requests

· Create a list.

· Using observations, student records, or parent/teacher interviews.

· Requests should be simple and previously demonstrated by student showing success in completing.

Step 3: Test easy requests

· Present easy requests to student through-out school day.

Step 4: Implementation

· Prior to delivering the low preference task, deliver 3-4 easy requests from the list you made in Step 2.

· After each request praise, praise, praise.

· After the 3-4 easy requests deliver the low preference task.

Examples

· Multi-step directions- First give 3 easy directions.

· Two- digit addition- First present 3 single-digit addition problems.

· Learning letters or numbers- First present 3 already mastered letters or numbers.

· Responding to questions (comprehension) - First ask 3 easy questions.

Tips for Success

· Vary the presentation of the high probability requests.

o If the high probability sequence is the same time, the sequence could be a cue that a low probability request is coming next.

· Be sure to reinforce all instructions that are completed by the student.

· High probability requests should be brief and simple to complete.

· This intervention is not intended to be permanent, take steps to fade.

Read more: https://www.iloveaba.com/2014/06/behavioral-momentum.html