Overview

• • Use level of distance to draw attention of student. 

  • When proximity or distance is decreased, students tend to redirect their attention discreetly. 

  • The teacher stands next to student and may even gently place hand on desk or shoulder of student. 

  • Once the student is refocused, increase proximity and repeat as needed. 

  • Proximity can also be used for supporting student space. Decreasing proximity from a student may allow for the needed space or time a student needs to regulate. 

  • Place student in proximity of needed criteria

    1. Peer for positive modeling of behavior

    2. Adult for supervision

    3. Board for sight and prevention of frustration

Core Components

• • Proximity can look different based on student need. 

  • Proximity is the distance expanding or contracting between a student and the adult.

  • Sometimes expanding proximity prevents power struggles

  • Class arrangement can factor in proximity on student seating placement

  • Constricting proximity allows for discrete prompting and increased cues for focus.

Proximity Control