Verbal Behavior Programming

The world of special education is flooded with acronyms and it can be overwhelming. We use verbal behavior (VB) instruction in our classroom. You will often find your child’s “current targets” written on our communication sheet. Please use this paper as a guide to understand exactly what it is we are currently working on with your child and find opportunities in the natural environment to practice these skills at home!

Verbal behavior is any form of communication that is used to influence others. It includes spoken words, written words, sign language, and even gestures.

Types of “operants.” You will see these listed on your child’s communication sheet along with the specific objects or actions they are working on. Here are some examples of what they all mean:

• Mand: A request or demand. If you see “Mand-legos, playdoh, open door” those are the things we are currently teaching your child to independently request from us. Mand training can open up a child’s world when they understand that they can ask for what they want or need. 

• Tact (T) & Tact Actions (TA): A label or description– teacher asks “what is this?” and student responds. So if your paper says “tact-spoon, pencil” we are asking the student to verbally identify these objects. A student may also be working on tacting (or labeling) actions (TA) such as jumping, rolling, hopping and would be prompted by saying “what am I doing?”

• Echoic (E): Repeating a sound or word that is heard. The teacher will say “open” and the student repeats “open.” 

• Intraverbal (IV): Responding to a question or statement without a specific prompt. These will be listed as questions such as “What is your dog’s name?” and the student answers the question

• Motor Imitation (MI): Copying a physical action. An example of this is the teacher knocks on the table and the student then knocks on the table. Motor imitation requires no verbal response. 

• Listener Responding (LR): Selecting the correct response. An example of this is the teacher says “show me”, “point to”, or “give” an object or action (Show me jumping, point to the cow). These do not require a verbal response.