Are you looking for strategies to help students who show phobic reactions? If so, keep reading.
1. Praise the student for taking part in learning activities : (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
2. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., avoiding learning activities ) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., taking part in learning activities ).
3. Assess the appropriateness of the expectations for taking part in learning activities based on the student’s capacity and ability to perform the task.
4. Praise the student for taking part in learning activities based on the duration of time they can do so comfortably. As the student shows success, slowly increase the number of times required for reinforcement.
5. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., changing clothing for physical education) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.
6. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for taking part in learning activities at school.
7. Select a peer to model taking part in learning activities for the student.
8. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, instructions they do not understand.
9. Praise those students in the classroom who take part in learning activities.
10. If appropriate, give the student a private space in which to change clothing for physical education.
11. Maintain a pleasant/calm atmosphere.
12. To the extent appropriate, praise the student for changing their clothing for physical education.
13. Get the student to take part in learning activities that require minimal participation. As the student becomes more comfortable, slowly increase the student’s participation.
14. Make sure that the physical education clothing the student is required to wear is appropriate.
15. If the student is reluctant to change clothing for physical education in the presence of others, let the student change clothing in private. As the student becomes more comfortable, slowly increase the number of peers in whose presence they change clothing.
16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
17. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
18. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
19. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
