Kindergarten Fun

[SpEd guy]

Our SLP is having substantial behavioral difficulties with a kindergarten student (as is the general education teacher). Can anyone suggest effective behavior mod strategies? This student has advanced academic skills (high IQ) but seemingly immature social skills.

[mopar]

What behaviors is the student showing and when? To effectively modify the behavior, you need to figure out the antecedent and the behaviors.
With a kindergarten, I might try stickers/stamps. If he is advanced, try special learning activities or working with an older student in another class. Maybe a special job for movement-like collecting attendance for multiple classrooms or organizing books.
For speech time, is the student receiving speech services or is this a push in program and all students get the service? If the student doesn't need the service, I would suggest this as a time to do a special job. If the student needs speech, I would suggest in changing where the service is offered-separate room or classroom. Also, offering stickers for behavior during this time with a special reward-extra recess or computer time. Something small-maybe even an extra snack. The parents may be willing to send in the snack to save on costs.

[Boxcar]

You could also try keeping an extra close eye on him. If he is having problems with social interactions, he need you to step in and model. For example, he wants a toy another student has or he doesn't know how to join in a game. When you see him getting stuck or ready to behave inappropriately, step in and give him the words to express his need. After a couple of times, he will hopefully start to pick up on some of the stratigies. When he does any of the proper social behaviors, let him know he is doing it right. Tell him "I liked the way you asked Jessica if you could play too. You used your words instead of grabbing the wagon."

I like the idea of finding him an older student to interact with. I'd suggest in addition to this or as an alternative pairing him with a socially advanced peer. Introduce the two to one another and help them connect. Put them at the same table, encourage them to go to centers together, ect. I wouldn't require it, but some social children are quite good at passing on the trait. This student may learn to imitate the peer's behavior and become more comfortable in the classroom.

If the student is bored with the activities, ask him to go around and help others understand. This might not fit with his personality, but if it does it can be a good idea. Try to plan lessons that require teamwork and accomadate different ability levels. Problem solving tasks might also help faciliate positve social interactions.

[SLP]

I have found "social stories" to be the answer for many children who have difficulties dealing with others or with their own feelings. I make up my own (adding Boardmaker pictures to the stories), based on each child's social difficulties. But, there are lots of websites with printable social stories, such as Carol Gray's:
http://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/autistic/Social%20Stories/social_stories.htm

Good Luck! Let us know how it goes!:)

[SpEd guy]

Thank you for these suggestions!