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Token Economy

A positive reinforcement strategy to build and maintain appropriate behaviour in children. In a token economy, if a child acts or behaves in an appropriate manner, they will be able to trade their tokens for a reward or privilege. This can be done in both at home and in a classroom.


Overview

In a token economy, points or physical tokens such as stickers are distributed after a child performs an appropriate behaviour. These points/tokens can be accumulated throughout the day and exchanged for rewards at a chosen time.

A goal is determined for the number of points/tokens required to earn a reward. The parent or teacher is responsible for distributing the points/tokens and exchanging it for rewards.


Step 1: Select a few (2-4) target behaviour to change

  • Ensure that the behavior is defineable and observable.

  • Vague target behaviours make it difficult for observation and can be confusing for children

  • Focus on increasing desired behaviours - what a child should do instead of what they should not do.


Step 2: Develop a method for keeping track of points/tokens

  • For younger children (4-7 years old), using physical tokens such as stickers, stars or stamps instead of points is recommended.

  • For older children, points can be written on a card on their desk or recorded down in a journal.


Step 3: Identify meaningful rewards

  • The reward has to be perceived as desirable by the child

  • Parents/teachers can create a list of possible rewards and get children to rate the level of desirability

  • Activities done during children's free time offers strong hints on what is perceived as desirable


Some Examples of Rewards:

In Classroom Setting

  • Computer time

  • Leading songs

  • Leading class activities

  • Feeding classroom pets


In Home Setting

  • Extra phone time

  • Bowling Night

  • Ice-cream day

  • Extra TV time



Written by: Eulisia Er | Designed by: Ng Ray | Edited by: Xavierlyn Tan

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