Free Token Boards for Special Education
What are token boards?
Token boards are valuable tools in special education that provide a structured and visual way to reinforce positive behavior and track progress in individuals with diverse learning needs. These customizable boards consist of a grid or chart with spaces for “tokens”, which can be earned as a reward for completing specific tasks or demonstrating desired behaviors. Token boards serve as a motivating system for students, encouraging them to work towards their goals while promoting independence and self-regulation. By incorporating token boards into special education programs, educators can create a supportive and positive learning environment, helping students with disabilities, autism, or behavioral challenges achieve their full potential. With their versatility and effectiveness, token boards are an essential resource for special educators looking to enhance learning experiences and promote behavioral development in their students.
How to use token boards
Step 1: Discuss how tokens will be earned
To implement token boards successfully, start by identifying specific goals and behaviors you want to reinforce in your students. Clearly explain the token system to your students, using simple and consistent language. I advise having a “meeting” with your student to mutually discuss and agree upon the rules of how they can earn tokens. Explicitly discuss behaviors you want to see and behaviors you don’t want to see. If the students feel like they are involved in these clear rules, then it will increase accountability!
Step 2: Students select what they will be working for
Tokens can be earned for completing tasks or demonstrating desired behaviors. When all of the tokens are earned, a reward is provided. What I like to do, is present a Choice Board that includes options that I am prepared to give to the student immediately after completing the token board. Examples of common rewards are iPad, play doh, lego, sensory room, bike, etc. I would advise using a timer for the reward time. For example 10 minutes on the iPad. When the timer goes off, we will reset the token board and start again! Consistency is key; ensure you consistently reward students when they meet their goals.
Click here if you want a FREE Choice Board!
Click here if you want FREE Visuals of Common Rewards!
Step 3: Earning tokens
Students will earn tokens by completing the agreed upon rules that were discussed with the student.
For example, the student earns tokens by following their schedule and having safe hands & feet.
Begin with a blank token board
Student will get 1st token for participating in Circle Time while having safe hands & feet
2nd token for completing the Morning Binder nicely
3rd token for using the washroom independently
4th token for eating snack with their friends, while having safe hands and feet
5th token for doing great at recess playing with friends, while having safe hands and feet
Then they will get their reward!
A second example could be, if students earn tokens for completing work tasks
Begin with a blank token board
1st token for completing the movement break
2nd token for listening to the lesson
3rd token for completing a task card activity
4th token for completing the worksheet
5th token for completing a puzzle
Then they will get their reward!
Step 4: Consistency! And gradually increase expectations
Consistency is key; ensure you consistently reward students when they meet their goals. I would have this routine for a couple of weeks or months and assess if the token economy is working well for your student. If they are succeeding in completing their token boards throughout the day, then you can think about increasing the demand slightly!
Gradually decrease the number of tokens required for rewards to encourage progress. This could mean, instead of the student needing to sit in circle time for 5 minutes then receiving a token… you can increase it to 7 minutes or even 10 minutes! Or if the student needed to complete 1 worksheet to get 1 token, perhaps they can do 2 worksheets. This is completely flexible for your professional judgement and your student’s needs! Regularly assess and adjust the token system as needed to match evolving needs and goals.
How to assemble a token board
It’s easy! These are the steps to prepare the token board:
Print
Cut around the token board and the individual tokens
Laminate
Cut the laminated pieces
Apply hard velcro on the squares of the token board
Apply soft velcro behind the tokens
What makes my token boards unique?
I LOVE creating individualized token boards that include student’s favourite characters or interests! I noticed that when the student truly enjoys their token board then their motivation increases drastically! My token boards are centered on a theme. For example: DC superhero token board. Each token is a different super hero! So you before a work task you can say “Tommy, which token do you want to work for next??” Then Tommy will be able to choose from the Joker, The Flash, Superman, Green Lantern, etc. I find that having fun tokens like these (rather than the generic star tokens that are found in many other token boards), truly increase their enthusiasm for working and also makes them feel like you value their interests! This is a highly effective strategy to promote positive behavior and facilitate skill development.
How to download the FREE token boards
4 easy steps to get the freebies
Go to www.individualizedvisuals.com/freebies/superherotokenboards
Enter your name and email address
Check your inbox or junk folder for an email from me! kristi@individualizedvisuals.com
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