Hello, future RBTs! Welcome to another English for Specific Purposes (ESP) lesson that’s going to help you communicate effectively in your role. In today’s lesson, we’re diving into one of the most practical skills you’ll need: Giving Instructions and Using Prompts. As an RBT, being clear, concise, and consistent with your instructions is crucial in helping clients develop new skills and manage their behaviors. You’ll learn about different types of prompts, how to correct errors, and we’ll even go over a few roleplay examples to practice. Let’s get started!
Why Clear Instructions Matter
Working with clients who may have communication challenges or specific learning needs requires you to deliver instructions in a simple and consistent way. If instructions aren’t clear, clients may get confused, frustrated, or may not understand what you want them to do. Learning how to communicate effectively is especially important in behavior analysis, where each word and gesture can affect a client’s success.
Three Keys to Effective Instructions:
Keep It Simple: Use short, direct sentences.
- “Sit down.”
- “Pick up the spoon.”
- “Look at the picture.”
- “Put the blocks in the box.”
Be Specific: Say exactly what you want the client to do.
- “Place the red block on top of the blue block.”
- “Use your right hand to grab the handle.”
- “Tap the green button twice.”
- “Walk to the door and stop.”
Stay Calm and Positive: Maintain a neutral tone, even when clients make mistakes.
- “That’s okay; let’s try it again.”
- “Good effort! Let’s see if we can do it this way.”
- “Almost there! Try moving it a bit to the right.”
- “Nice try. Now, let’s give it another go together.”
Types of Prompts and How to Use Them
Prompts are helpful cues or hints you can use to guide clients towards the correct response. Let’s go over the main types of prompts you’ll use as an RBT and how to describe them in English.
Vocabulary Chart 1: Types of Prompts
Verbal Prompt: Saying a word or phrase to guide the client to the correct action.
Example: “Say, ‘Brush your teeth.’ If the client doesn’t respond, you might give a verbal prompt by saying, ‘Pick up the toothbrush.’”
Physical Prompt: Using physical touch to guide the client through a task.
Example: “When teaching handwashing, you might gently guide their hands under the water.”
Gestural Prompt: Using gestures like pointing or nodding to indicate what the client should do.
Example: “If you want the client to sit, you might point to the chair.”
Visual Prompt: Using images or objects to show the client what they need to do.
Example: “You could use a picture of a toothbrush as a visual prompt for brushing teeth.”
Model Prompt: Demonstrating the action you want the client to perform.
Example: “You could model the correct way to put on a jacket by doing it yourself and showing the client.”
How to Explain Types of Prompts in English
When discussing prompts with supervisors or families, it’s important to use clear, accurate language. Here’s how to explain each prompt type to someone who may not be familiar with behavior analysis terminology.
1. Verbal Prompt
Explanation: “A verbal prompt is when I say something to remind the client what to do. For example, if I want them to pick up a toy, I might say, ‘Pick up the toy.’”
2. Physical Prompt
Explanation: “A physical prompt involves lightly guiding the client’s hands or body. If they’re learning to tie their shoes, I might hold their hands and show them the motions.
3. Gestural Prompt
Explanation: “Gestural prompts involve using gestures like pointing to the object or area to show the client where to go or what to do.”
4. Visual Prompt
Explanation: “Visual prompts involve showing an image, sign, or object that represents what they need to do. For example, showing a picture of hands being washed.”
5. Model Prompt
Explanation: “With a model prompt, I perform the action myself to show the client what to do, like demonstrating brushing teeth.”
Discussing Error Correction Procedures
In your role, clients may not always follow instructions correctly, and that’s okay! Learning takes time. Let’s cover some basic ways to correct errors effectively.
Three Main Approaches to Error Correction:
1. Prompting Correct Responses: When a client makes a mistake, you can use a prompt to help them succeed.
Example: If they incorrectly pick up a spoon instead of a fork, give a gentle verbal prompt like, “Try the fork.”
2. Modeling the Correct Response: Sometimes, showing the correct behavior helps them understand what they need to do.
Example: If they are trying to put on their shoes but don’t know how, model putting on a shoe yourself.
3. Reinforcing Correct Behavior: When they get it right, make sure to reinforce the correct behavior by providing praise or a small reward.
Example: “Great job choosing the right picture!” (This encourages them to keep making positive choices.)
Practice Time: Giving Instructions and Prompts
Let’s put this all into practice! In each scenario, think about how you’d use instructions and prompts to guide the client effectively. After each scenario, I’ll provide an example of how you could respond. Try practicing these with a friend or colleague if possible.
Scenario 1: Getting Dressed
You’re working with a client who’s learning to put on their jacket. They seem unsure of what to do with the jacket once they pick it up.
Response:
“Take the jacket, and put one arm in the sleeve. Good! Now the other arm.” (Use a physical prompt if they have difficulty finding the sleeve.)
Scenario 2: Washing Hands
The client needs help remembering the steps for washing hands. They turn on the water but aren’t sure what to do next.
Response:
“Now put your hands under the water. Good! Now let’s get some soap.” (If they forget, provide a gestural prompt by pointing to the soap dispenser.)
Scenario 3: Brushing Teeth
Your client needs help brushing their teeth. They hold the toothbrush but don’t know what to do next.
Response:
“Put the toothbrush on your teeth and brush in small circles.” (If they struggle, you could model the brushing motion with your own toothbrush.)
Vocabulary Chart 2: Error Correction Phrases
Prompting Correct Responses: Using verbal, physical, or visual prompts to guide the client to the right response.
1. “Let’s try that one more time. Hold the crayon like this.”
2. “Take a look at the picture again—where does the red block go?”
3. “Remember to point to the circle. Can you try that?”
4. “Use your other hand to pick up the toy.”
5. “Try moving the book to the edge of the table.”
6. “Look at the flashcard—what does it say?”
7. “Give it another try. This time, press the green button.”
8. “How about we pick up the cup with both hands?”
9. “Use the brush to paint the paper, just like this.”
Modeling the Correct Response: Demonstrating the correct behavior for the client to imitate.
1. “Watch how I stack the blocks, and then it’s your turn.”
2. “See how I’m folding the paper? Now you try.”
3. “I’ll show you how to hold the fork first. Then you can do it.”
4. “Let’s do it together—watch my hand as I open the door.”
5. “Here’s how I wash my hands. Now, it’s your turn!”
6. “Look at me wave my hand to say goodbye. Can you wave, too?”
7. “See how I’m tying the shoe? Watch closely and try it next.”
8. “I’m going to walk slowly to the chair. Can you walk like this?”
9. “I’m going to pick up the toy and put it in the box—watch me do it.”
Reinforcing Correct Behavior: Providing praise or rewards when the client completes a task correctly.
1. “Fantastic job! You did it all by yourself!”
2. “Great work! That’s exactly what I wanted to see.”
3. “Nice going! You remembered every step perfectly.”
4. “I’m so proud of you! You did that like a pro.”
5. “Wow! You got it right. Let’s do another one!”
6. “Well done! I could see how focused you were.”
7. “Amazing effort! You followed all the instructions.”
8. “You nailed it! High five for such great work!”
9. “Awesome job! Keep it up; you’re doing great!”
These examples help reinforce key strategies for effective prompting, modeling, and reinforcing behavior in a positive, supportive manner.
Roleplay Practice: Applying Prompts in Real-Life Scenarios
Practice makes perfect, so here are some roleplay ideas to help solidify your understanding of using prompts and instructions. Try these out with a partner or even practice in front of a mirror to build your confidence.
Roleplay 1: Following Instructions for a Task
Imagine you’re helping a child complete a puzzle. They keep trying to force pieces that don’t fit.
Instructions: “Look at the shapes carefully. Try to match the edges.” (Provide a verbal prompt by guiding their attention to the correct piece.)
Roleplay 2: Prompting with Visual Cues
You’re helping a client with their daily schedule. They need to go from one activity to another but aren’t sure where to start.
Instructions: “Check the schedule. What comes next?” (Provide a visual prompt by pointing to the schedule.)
Roleplay 3: Correcting Errors with Modeling
You’re teaching a young client how to use a spoon, but they keep grabbing it incorrectly.
Instructions: “Let me show you how to hold it.” (Model the correct grip and encourage them to imitate.)
Putting It All Together: Key Points for RBTs on Instructions and Prompts
Congratulations! You’ve now covered essential skills in giving instructions, using prompts, and correcting errors. Here are the main takeaways:
1. Instructions: Keep them simple, direct, and positive.
2. Prompts: Use verbal, physical, gestural, visual, and model prompts to guide clients.
3. Error Correction: Correct errors gently, using prompts, modeling, or reinforcement to guide clients toward success.
Remember, being clear and consistent with your language as an RBT can make a huge difference in your clients’ progress. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to refer back to these vocabulary charts whenever you need a quick refresher.
Vocabulary Recap
1. Verbal Prompt: A spoken hint to guide the client.
2. Physical Prompt: Light guidance through touch.
3. Gestural Prompt: Using gestures like pointing.
4. Visual Prompt: Showing an image or object.
5. Model Prompt: Demonstrating the action yourself.
6. Prompting Correct Responses: Guiding the client to the right answer.
7. Modeling the Correct Response: Showing the correct behavior for the client to copy.
8. Reinforcing Correct Behavior: Praising or rewarding the client’s correct actions.
With these skills, you’re building a strong foundation to help your clients learn, grow, and succeed. Keep practicing, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!
This course is very good!!!
Glad to hear you are enjoying it!