Tier 1 Practices | Prevention
Effective Commands
When choice is not an option, using simple and clear directives to increase students’ compliance. Obtain students’ attention, provide only one directive at a time, and state the directive specifically, positively, and assertively.
AKA: "Precision Commands"
Back to Tier 1 practices
A slideshow with short, teacher-created videos that walk through the what, why, when, and how of this strategy.
“It’s clean-up time! Put the blocks in the box.” instead of “It’s clean-up time!”
“Okay, please go inside now.” instead of “Are you ready to go inside?”
“Walk, please!” instead of “Stop running!”
Effective Commands (Mini Poster).pdfA mini-poster with reminders about the key characteristics of an effectively delivered directive.
Affirmative Attention_ Cue and Follow Through (Poster).pdfA mini-poster reminder to follow through with affirmative attention after we give an effective command. 🎥 Learn more (2:35).
Sources and Further Learning
Tier 3 or Special Education Upgrades:
Behavioral Momentum
"Behavioral momentum" involves delivering three or more commands with a high probability of compliance before making a low-probability request. Be sure to reinforce compliance with the low-probability requests. For example, after identifying high- and low-probability behaviors for Alison, Mr. Brown uses the following sequence:
“Alison, tell me your name.” (high probability of compliance)
“Alison, give me five.” (high probability of compliance)
“Alison, point to the dog.” (high probability of compliance)
“Alison, put your puzzle back on the shelf.” If she puts the puzzle away, she receives a token. (low probability of compliance)