Intervention Ideas

Environmental Adaptations:
  • Seat in quiet area
  • Seat near role model
  • Seat near teacher
  • Two seating areas, one group, one individual
  • Increase distance between desks
  • Seat near “Study Buddy”
  • Portable study carrel
  • Change size of desk/chair
  • Change angle of desk/chair
  • Reduce printed material on display
  • Frequent restroom breaks
  • Snacks
Assignment Modifications:
  • Provide assignment sheet
  • Simplify/shorten assignments
  • Individual contracts
  • Give assignments one at a time
  • Allow extra time for completion
  • Break assignments into parts
  • Provide outline and/or time line for long projects
  • Copy from paper/book instead of board
  • Lower difficulty level
  • Reduce paper/pencil activities
  • Read directions to student
  • Use audio recordings
Teaching Strategies Continued:
  • Provide assistance with note taking
  • Use previewing strategies
  • Pick easy topics for student to talk/write about
  • Use cuing strategies to stay on task
  • Clarify expectations
Tools:
  • Graph paper
  • Raised line paper
  • Unlined paper
  • Pencil grip(s)
  • Calculator
  • Tape recorder
  • Slant board for writing
  • Headphones
  • Timer
  • Number line
  • Alphabet strip
  • Visual tracking aid
  • Magnifier
  • Highlighter
  • Highlighter tape
  • Computer
  • Spell Checker
Organization and Planning:
  • Daily assignment sheet
  • Homework folder(s)
  • Set of texts at home
Behavioral Reinforcement Continued:
  • Breakdown behavior into small steps
  • Allow for movement frequently
  • Encourage observation of models
  • Rewards for starting/continuing/completing
  • Be sensitive to student’s mood/tolerance level
  • Use time-out for misbehavior
  • Modify expectations for outside the classroom (lunch, recess, etc.)
At Home Connection:
  • Daily/weekly assignment sheet
  • Daily/weekly behavior sheet
  • Frequent phone contact
  • Frequent conferences
  • Parents to check, sign, and return sheets daily or weekly
  • Parent to schedule a set homework time daily
  • Parents to designate a specific homework place
  • Set up a tub/box with homework supplies at home
  • Check homework for accuracy and completeness
  • Provide frequent breaks
  • Encourage on-task behavior
  • Contact teacher frequently
  • Provide special pencils/paper for homework use only
  • Read together
/ Assignment Modifications Continued:
  • Accept typed assignments
  • Present assignments in an uncluttered format
  • Change size of print
  • Provide examples/models of finished product
  • Pair students to check work
Testing Adaptations:
  • Exemptions
  • Vary methods (oral, taped, short answer)
  • Shorten test
  • Extend time
  • Read directions/test to student
  • Modify grading criteria/weight
  • Take test in different setting
  • Use open book/notes
  • Limit essay responses
  • Give take home tests
Teaching Strategies:
  • Use hands-on approach
  • Tape lectures/directions for playback
  • Use eye contact
  • Circulate frequently
  • Present directions orally and in writing
  • Use color
  • Use individual white/chalk boards
Organization and Planning Continued
  • Establish a routine schedule
  • Study sheets
  • Time line for long projects/reports
  • Create organized work space
  • Provide place for non-work related items
  • Checklists for “broken down” assignments
  • Tape of directions, components
  • Written directions
  • Peer/cross-age model or buddy
  • Teach planning and pacing
Behavioral Reinforcement:
  • Ignore minor distractions
  • Reinforce appropriate behavior immediately
  • Daily behavior sheet
  • Use student interests as reinforcers (tangible and intangible)
  • Positive visits with administration
  • Chart progress
  • Use logical consequences
  • Action plan to change/improve behavior
  • Post rules clearly
  • Teach what rules look and sound like
  • School-home behavior contract
  • Develop cuing system for reminders
  • Make positive phone calls to parents
  • Provide reassurance
  • Use student self-evaluations
  • Develop short and long term goals
At Home Connection Continued:
  • Check backpack before leaving for school
  • Provide place for notices to be placed
  • Keep at-home texts in a safe place
  • Keep a set of school supplies at home
Consult with:
  • Last year’s teacher
  • Grade level team members
  • Instructional Coach
  • Mentor
  • Master Mentor
  • Principal
  • Counselor
  • Remedial Reading Teacher
  • Behavior Coach
  • ELL/SEI Teacher
  • School Psychologist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Speech Teacher
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Health Aide