Wholistic Learning Therapies

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Behavior Management: Premack Principle

Premacking means scheduling a preferred activity immediately after a less-preferred activity. Stated as a contingency, "When you have done X, then you may do Y." It's the old "vegetables before dessert" principle.

Examples:

When you have picked up your Barbie things, then you may have your snack.
After you wash your face and brush your teeth, then you may play Nintendo for 15 minutes.
When you have practiced your French horn for 30 minutes, then you may use the computer and/or phone.
When you are completely ready for school, then you may watch Pokémon.

This is very similar to contracting, but is more immediate and does not need to be written down and charted.

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