Controlled Choices

Providing choices to students allows them to feel a sense of control and increases his or her compliance

Give the student two different options for alternative activities.

• NOTE: The choices you provide should be ones that you approve of

You can verbally state the choices, write the choices down on paper, or show visual icons of choices.

There are different types of paired choices that you can offer

• Providing an alternative: This option allows the student to participate in the group or individual activity but gives them a possible modification. Ex. "You can sit on the floor to do your work or you can sit in the chair".

• Appropriate behavior or non-preferred activity: This option increases the appeal of engaging in the appropriate behavior or activity. Ex. "You can sit down and work on your school work quietly or you can help clean up."

• Desired activity or consequence: The option reiterates the reward or preferred activity that is available contingent on engaging in an appropriate behavior or activity. Ex. "You can work on your math and then play on your tablet, or you can sit here and not have time to play on your tablet."

• NOTE: Stick to your original choices. Refrain from offering additional choices, as the student will learn to hold out for something that appeals to them.