Situation:Pairing is the process where you establish yourself as a reinforcer to build a positive relationship with your student. (a reinforcer is something a child likes) When pairing, you associate a neutral stimulus (in this case, you and your words) with something that is already reinforcing to the child. The result of pairing is that the neutral stimulus (again, in this case, it is you) becomes reinforcing to the child via being paired with something that they already find reinforcing. Primary components of pairing:
- Present yourself and your words with the delivery of reinforcement.
- Reinforce the interaction with the child without placing demands. (Reinforcement is NOT contingent on the child doing or saying something)
I teach a Life Skills class and was just told that I am getting a new student who reportedly is very difficult to teach. He has bitten and hit his teacher and destroyed his work area at his last school. I am nervous and want to know what activities would be best to have him complete his first day in my classroom.