Using Token Boards

Using token boards with your child can be a highly effective strategy for supporting attention skills, promoting focus, increasing motivation, and reducing unwanted behaviors. Here's a breakdown of how to use them and the benefits they offer:

What is a Token Board?

A token board is a visual system that rewards a child for completing desired behaviors or tasks. It typically consists of a board with spaces for tokens (stickers, checkmarks, small objects) and a designated reward that the child can earn once they collect a specific number of tokens.

How Token Boards Support Attention and Focus:

1. Provides a Clear Goal: The token board makes the expectation and the reward tangible. The child knows exactly what they are working towards, which can help them stay focused on the task at hand.
2. Breaks Down the Task: For longer or more challenging tasks, you can award tokens for completing smaller steps or increments. This makes the task less overwhelming and helps the child maintain focus on each individual part.
3. Visual Reminder: The board serves as a constant visual reminder of the goal and the progress being made. This can help the child stay on track and resist distractions.
4. Immediate Reinforcement (or Near-Immediate):Tokens are awarded immediately (or very soon after) the desired behavior is demonstrated. This close proximity between the behavior and the reward strengthens the connection and reinforces the focus.
5. Increases Task Persistence: As the child sees their token board filling up, they are encouraged to continue working and persist through any challenges.

 

How Token Boards Increase Motivation:

1. Tangible Reward: The promise of a desired reward is a powerful motivator. It gives the child a reason to engage in the task and put in effort.
2. Sense of Accomplishment: Earning tokens provides a sense of accomplishment and progress. This positive feeling can further fuel their motivation to continue.
3. Choice and Control: Giving the child some input into the potential rewards can increase their motivation and buy-in.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Token boards focus on rewarding positive behaviors, which can be more effective than solely focusing on punishing negative ones.

How Token Boards Reduce Unwanted Behavior:

1. Focus on Desired Behavior: By highlighting and rewarding the desired behaviors (like staying seated, listening to instructions, completing a step), the child's attention is directed away from the unwanted behaviors.
2. Provides an Alternative: The token board offers a clear path to earning rewards through appropriate behavior, providing an alternative to engaging in unwanted behaviors to get attention or avoid the task.
3. Clear Consequences (Implicit): While the focus is on positive reinforcement, the lack of tokens for unwanted behavior implicitly communicates that those behaviors are not productive or rewarding.
4. Reduced Power Struggles:By having a clear system in place, token boards can reduce power struggles and arguments over completing tasks. The focus is on the system and earning the reward, rather than a direct confrontation.

Steps for Using Token Boards Effectively

1. Identify the Target Behavior(s): Clearly define the specific behaviors or tasks you want your child to complete. Be specific and observable (e.g., "staying in your seat for 5 minutes," "completing 3 math problems," "putting away your toys").
2. Choose Appropriate Tokens: Select tokens that are appealing to your child and easy to use (stickers, marbles, small plastic shapes, checkmarks).
3. Determine the Number of Tokens Needed for the Reward:Start with a small number of tokens (e.g., 3-5) to ensure the child can experience success quickly. As they get the hang of it, you can gradually increase the number.
4. Select Desired Rewards: Involve your child in choosing the rewards. Make sure the rewards are motivating and attainable (e.g., extra screen time, a small toy, a special activity, choosing a book to read). Have a list of potential rewards they can choose from once they earn their tokens.
5. Introduce the Token Board: Explain the token board to your child in a simple and positive way. Show them how it works and what they need to do to earn tokens.
6. Award Tokens Immediately and Consistently: As soon as the child demonstrates the target behavior, immediately give them a token and offer specific praise (e.g., "Great job staying in your seat! Here's a token!"). Consistency is key.
7. Manage Unwanted Behavior: While the focus is on positive reinforcement, have a plan for addressing unwanted behavior. This might involve withholding a token, a brief redirection, or a different consequence depending on the behavior and your child's needs. Avoid taking away previously earned tokens unless absolutely necessary and as a clear and agreed-upon consequence.
8. Deliver the Reward: Once the child earns the required number of tokens, immediately provide the agreed-upon reward.
9. Review and Adjust: Regularly review the effectiveness of the token board. If it's not working, consider adjusting the target behaviors, the number of tokens, or the rewards.

Tips for Success:

• Start Simple: Begin with one or two target behaviors and a small number of tokens.
• Be Consistent: Use the token board regularly and consistently for the chosen behaviors.
• Be Positive and Encouraging: Focus on praising the desired behaviors and celebrating their successes.
• Fade the System Gradually: As your child becomes more consistent with the desired behaviors, you can gradually reduce the frequency of token reinforcement or increase the number of tokens needed for a reward. The ultimate goal is for the child to internalize the behaviors and not rely solely on the external reinforcement.
• Involve Your Child: Allowing your child to participate in choosing rewards and decorating their token board can increase their engagement.
• Keep it Fun!Make the process enjoyable for both of you.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them:

• Child Loses Interest: If the child loses interest, the rewards might not be motivating enough, or the task is too difficult. Try new rewards or break down the task further.
• Child Becomes Dependent on Tokens: This is where gradual fading is important. As they show consistent progress, slowly reduce the frequency of tokens.
• Power Struggles: If the token board becomes a source of conflict, revisit the expectations and ensure they are clear and achievable. Focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
• Tokens are Not Motivating: Experiment with different types of tokens and rewards to find what works best for your child.

Token boards are a valuable tool for supporting children with attention and focus challenges. By providing a visual structure, clear expectations, immediate reinforcement, and motivating rewards, you can help your child develop better attention skills, stay focused on tasks, feel more motivated, and reduce unwanted behaviors. Remember to be patient, consistent, and celebrate your child's progress along the way!