PROMPT HIERARCHYSPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICT OF LAKE COUNTY JENNIFER PENZENIK

What is the Prompt Hierarchy? !

“ The prompt hierarchy is defined by the amount of assistance/instruction that each prompt requires from the

teacher for the child to present a correct response.” !!!!

!• Evidence based intervention • Systematic method of teaching students • The main goal is independence

Natural or Environmental

Set up environment so that student completes desired task

Position object in a way that a student is likely to take it

Position

• Consider access method for child !• Consider if child is left or right handed (put in middle) !• Consider if the child throws items or is in crisis !• Consider if the item itself is easily accessible e.g., coat/jacket

Gesture

Point or use another gesture that will direct student

ObjectPlace a needed object near student to encourage

them to complete the task

Student refers to icons/symbols, pictures or visual schedules to complete desired task

Visual

Indirect Verbal

Give student hints as to what they are supposed to do

Oh, What’s next?

Yum, something smells good.

It looks like you dropped something.

I can’t understand

you…

Oh my, it is so cold out

today.

Direct Verbal

Full verbal instructions

Please check your schedule.

Please stand up and walk.

Please pick up and throw away.

I need that, thank you.

If you ask a student if they want to do something, they have the right to say no!

Partial PhysicalLight physical touch or direction

to encourage student to finish the task

Full Physical

Full hand-over-hand or hand-under-hand support

Natural or Environmental

Set up environment so that student completes desired task

Position object in a way that a student is likely to take it

Position

Gesture

Point or use another gesture that will direct student

ObjectPlace a needed object near student to encourage

them to complete the task

Student refers to icons/symbols, pictures or visual schedules to complete desired task

Visual

Indirect Verbal

Give student hints as to what they are supposed to do

Direct Verbal

Full verbal instructions

Partial PhysicalLight physical touch or direction

to encourage student to finish the task

Full Physical

Full hand-over-hand or hand-under-hand support

Most Restrictive

Least Restrictive

Prompt Hierarchy Activity

• Pick a partner !• Choose a scenario !• Fill out a blank hierarchy with ideas for the scenario !• Share out with the group

Prompt Hierarchy Take-Aways

• This doesn’t come naturally, it takes practice !• Some students may begin further down on the hierarchy !• Our ultimate goal is always independence !• Our bodies are an extension of one’s self

Teaching is always our main focus, let’s teach children how to complete the tasks we require of them