Now that we know WHY routines and expectations are important, let's talk about HOW to teach them. The steps and strategies used to teach routines and expectations are very similar.

1. Write out each step of the routine (task analysis)

2. Create corresponding visuals for each step

3. Prep the visuals

4. Post the visual near the location of the routine

5. Teach the routine and the visual through modeling, role play, prompting and/or video modeling

6. Provide lots of positive feedback when students are following the routine - if students are not following the routine, use the visual to model the step and reinforce as soon as they follow it

7. Quickly fade prompts and scale back on reinforcement

8. Don't forget to train your team members!

1. Write out the expectations for the activity

2. Create corresponding visuals for the expectations

3. Prep the visuals

4. Post the visual where the expectations will be followed

5. Teach the expectations and the visual through modeling, role play, and prompting– video modeling also works well!

6. Provide lots of positive feedback when students are following the expectations - if students are not following the expectations, use the visual to model the step and reinforce as soon as they follow it

7. Quickly fade prompts and scale back on reinforcement

8. Don't forget to train your team members!

This process will resemble how to teach visuals. Start with lots of modeling and then systematically fade using the prompting hierarchy. Additional helpful strategies when teaching routines and expectations include role-play and video modeling. When students are learning these skills, we need to provide lots of opportunities to practice. This isn't always feasible with some routines like going through the lunch line or riding the school bus. These are situations when video modeling and role-play are beneficial!

If you want to learn more about video modeling, which is an evidence-based practice, there is a free webinar on December 5th. Michele Glenn, ASD Specialist from Minneapolis Public Schools, will be presenting on using video modeling to support engagement and learning. There is a registration link in the Upcoming Professional Development section.

• If you have a projector or SMART board, create a Google Slide with the routine and expectations for the activity your students are engaging in. For example, if your students are rotating through centers, display the center routine and expectations on the board (See example on the right).
• Create a Google Slide deck for your entire day. The slide deck can contain a "First, Then" schedule, expectations, and routines. This keeps everyone on track (including you and your team!) and makes creating sub plans seamless. I've included a link to make a copy of my slide deck that I used while teaching. It's located in the Resources section. Feel free to edit it to make it fit your classroom and needs.
• Go through the routine and expectations before starting an activity. For example, each time you have morning meeting, go through the morning meeting routine and expectations. When your students come to the direct instruction center, go through the routine (schedule) and expectations.
• When going through the routine and expectations, reference the visual.
• It can be helpful to pair gestures with expectations. For example, I would put my fingers to my mouth for "quiet mouth," or hands together for "quiet hands." I planted my feet on the floor for "quiet feet," and cupped my ear with one hand for "listening." This allowed all students to participate when reciting the exceptions before each activity.
• Post your expectations where your students will be sitting. This allows for quick redirection and provides a reminder for students.

Our next topic for Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks will be para training! We will cover the four steps to para training:

1. Defining roles
2. Creating a team mindset
3. Planning
4. Training

As the season of holidays, celebrations, and gatherings quickly approaches, we eagerly anticipate spending it with loved ones. However, for some students with autism, this time of year can be stressful due to unfamiliar surroundings and routines that differ from their daily lives. As teachers we can help our students feel supported and comfortable during this time. Here are some compassionate tips to help you support your students as we enter the celebratory season:

• Address unspoken questions and concerns with care
• Prepare students in advance for changes in routine
• Create a safe space for students to take breaks if needed
• Use visual aids to explain upcoming events and schedules
• Work with families to ensure consistent support at home and school

Link to the full article on Preparing for Holiday Celebrations and resources to support students and families.

Check out the Thankful for Friends unit in Theme's First! Theme units include original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

Date/Time: November 29, 2023 from 3-4 PM

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free

Presenters: Nicole Berning, Department of Human Services (DHS) M.S., BCBA; and Erin Farrell (MDE) Ed.D., BCBA

Collaboration and care coordination are essential elements to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes for our students. This presentation will outline key strategies and resources to help school and provider teams work together side by side. We will review resources to coordinate early intervention services with services in an educational setting, create person-centered goals and facilitate collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. We will highlight the evidence-based practices for learners with ASD in the classroom and how this collaboration helps to support the use of evidence-based practices across school and home environments.

Date/Time: December 5th, 2023 from 3:00-4:30

Where: Virtual

Cost: Free

Join us for the second ASD EBP Webinar (formally known as STAR Webinars) of the 2023-2024 school year! During this webinar, Michele Glynn, ASD Specialist, will discuss using simple video modeling, modeling, and peer modeling to practice and promote positive behaviors that support student engagement and learning.

Feel free to contact me for any questions or concerns via email or phone. I'm also available to chat via Zoom Mondays from 7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email me and we will find a time that will work for both of us.

Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.

Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks is made possible by Minnesota Low Incidence Projects