Token Economy in LIFE Skills- What Are YOU Working For?

Our students have been on vacation all summer – sleeping in, eating whatever and whenever they like, and whiling away the hours completely plugged in. Now that it is time to snap back into the school year routine you may find some new behaviors are popping up.  So what is the cure? Behavior modification using a token economy in LIFE Skills!

What is a Token Economy in Life Skills?

A token economy is a system of behavior modification based on positive reinforcement. We reinforce good behavior by awarding tokens, which can then be exchanged for a desired reward. In my world, I eat a certain number of healthy foods so I can have my desired reward—sweets! In the classroom, a student may complete an academic task, exhibit a desired behavior, or comply for a desired amount of time.

Life Skills classrooms include rooms that service students with special ed minutes, specifically those with more complex access needs.

When would I use a Token Economy?

Anytime you want to create a system of rewards to get a desired behavior- everyone should be working for something! Some people work for intrinsic reinforcement like praise, high-fives, or good grades. If you are working with students who are not motivated by things like grades but are motivated by tangible things or desired activities, this will create a reliable system where those things can be earned.

Why Use a Behavior Chart?

To create a consistent and reliable way to modify behavior. It also helps to add a visual representation of progress to a rewards system.

Who Uses Behavior Charts?

Any student who needs to complete multiple tasks before receiving a desired activity or reward.

So… HOW Do I Do This?

There’s an excellent printable guide from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center which includes a section on how to fade the token economy.

I would print this and make it available in your classroom and with your teaching team so everyone can be on the same page when using a token economy in life skills with a specific student.

• Define Target Behaviors: Clearly identify the specific behaviors you want to increase or decrease.
• Create a Token System: Determine the type of tokens you will use (e.g., points, stars, stickers) and the value of each token. This one is BOMB!
• Establish Clear Expectations: Communicate the rules and consequences of the token economy to your students.
• Deliver Tokens Consistently: Reward students immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior.
• Provide Backup Reinforcers: Offer additional rewards (e.g., free time, privileges) for accumulating a certain number of tokens.
• Monitor Progress: Track students’ progress using a token board or other data collection methods. Need Data Sheets? Grab These!
• Fade Out the Token Economy: Gradually reduce the frequency of token rewards as students internalize the desired behaviors. Read more about Fading Token Boards here.

Benefits of Using a Token Economy in Life Skills

There are some key benefits to using a token economy, especially in special education classrooms. Here are a few:

• Positive Behavior Change: A token economy can effectively modify challenging behaviors and promote appropriate behaviors.
• Skill Development: It helps students develop social skills, communication skills, and self-help skills.
• Improved Academic Performance: When students are motivated by rewards, they are more likely to engage in their academic work.
• Positive Classroom Climate: A token economy in life skills can create a more positive and supportive learning environment.

Key Considerations

When you are considering implementing a token economy system in your classroom, it’s because you realize it’s a powerful tool that taps into best practices for students with autism spectrum disorder or specific goals for behavior. But in order to be successful and actually implement positive change and get positive outcomes (not worse behaviors) you need to do a few key things. 

First, you’ll need to do some careful planning. In order to work with individual students, it needs to be individualized! You want to target specific needs, behaviors, and preferences. Do your research and know what motivates, triggers, and rewards your students. A simple preferences inventory will help as well as a behavior analysis. 

Second, remember that token economies are an effective tool, but your students may need some new skills to use them effectively. In other words, you will have to teach, model, and reteach in order for students, especially those with special needs, to understand the concept of a token economy and how the use of tokens works for them. So, teach the tool if you want actual behavior management. 

Finally, consistency matters if you want to get desirable behaviors in various settings with students. When a special education teacher works with students who have developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism in different settings, they are the constant. So, in order to establish a form of reinforcement that overcomes environmental factors, be consistent. Super consistent! Give an immediate reward for targeted behavior, pair the visual with verbal praise as a precursor to fading, and anticipate potential challenges so you are always rewarding before behaviors happen. 

Token boards in life skills are an effective way to create a structured environment where students are better able to manage behaviors and conform to classroom expectations. With these key principles in mind, you can slay your classroom management, go beyond behavior to address academic skills, and build a brighter future for your students.

Conclusion

A token economy in life skills is a valuable tool for behavior modification in educational settings. By following these guidelines and adapting the system to your student’s individual needs, you can create a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes positive behaviors and academic success. Ready to make your own success stories happen? Then you’re ready for these killer token boards in your life! 

READY FOR MORE?

Plus, get your token board kit on TPT or directly from me.

Post originally published on August 6, 2015 by Ayo Jones at Noodle Nook.