A forum to provide dissemination of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and evidence-based research, assist the public in understanding the science, and to promote conversation between BCBAs, aspiring BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, and others who are interested. Show Members Online Wheeler, L., & Griffin, H. (1997). A Movement-Based Approach to Language Development in Children Who are Deaf-Blind. American Annals of the Deaf, 142(5), 387-390. Retrieved July 6, 2021, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/44392539 Prompting is an important tool in teaching children with disabilities, especially those whose disabilities significantly affect their ability to learn functional or life skills. The goal of this technique is to provide instruction and support when a student is learning a new skill by encouraging them through the steps. Prompting is used often in general education classrooms but manifests itself very differently and serves different purposes in a special education setting. Prompting children with disabilities may require employing either invasive and physical cues or less invasive, nonphysical cues. Prompting helps foster independence in students with disabilities as they become able to perform more tasks for themselves. The appropriate direction depends on the scenario and the child, so be sure to always consider individual needs and think about your relationship with the child when deciding on the best choice. The most common method of physical prompting is the hand over hand technique. What Is Hand Over Hand Prompting?Hand over hand prompting is the most invasive of all prompting strategies as it requires a teacher to physically manipulate a child's body. Also known as "full physical prompting," it often involves performing an activity with a student. To use this cueing system, the person teaching a skill places their hand over a student's hand and directs the child's hand with their own. Hand over hand prompting can teach a child how to perform important skills such as properly using a pair of scissors, tying their shoes, or writing their name. Example of Hand Over Hand PromptingEmily, a 6-year-old with multiple disabilities, requires a very high level of support when learning gross and fine motor skills. In an example of effective hand over hand facilitation, her aide, Ms. Ramona, places her hand over Emily's as Emily learns to brush her teeth. Ms. Ramona shapes Emily's hand into a proper brush grip and guides her student's hand through the back and forth brushing motion while holding it in her own. Considerations When Using This TechniqueHand over hand prompting should be used sparingly and is not be used exclusively (in most cases—consult a student's IEP to identify necessary adaptations). Less invasive teaching techniques tend to be most appropriate long-term. For this reason, full physical prompting is best-suited for initial instruction and should be phased out as a new skill is acquired. Visual, written, and other nonphysical prompts should eventually be used in place of hand over hand prompting and multiple types of prompting can be joined together at once to make this transition more fluid. Examples of Phasing Out Hand Over Hand PromptingA teacher and student use a pair of scissors together for the first few times the child performs the action. Once the student understands what they are expected to do, the teacher begins to present visual cue cards as they execute the action together and use their hand over the child's hand for less time. Soon, the child will be able to demonstrate the desired behavior using only the cue cards as a reminder. To replace full hand enclosure when teaching a child to brush their teeth, a teacher can tap a finger on the back of a child's hand to remind them of the grip formation. With enough practice, the student can brush their teeth independently upon verbal direction. Other examples of nonphysical prompting that can be integrated into a child's routines in order to phase out hand over hand prompting are verbal direction, modeling, photographs or cue cards, hand gestures, and written cues. Hand-over-hand guidance is to provide support and assistance to someone learning a new skill or performing a task, to help them develop the necessary physical skills to perform the task independently. When should hand over hand guidance be used? Hand over hand guidance should be used when someone is struggling with a physical aspect of a task and needs additional support to learn and practice the skill. What are the benefits of using hand over hand guidance? The benefits of using hand over hand guidance include improved physical skills, increased confidence and independence, and faster learning. Providing support and guidance, hand over hand helps the individual feel comfortable and confident in performing a task, which can lead to quicker development of the necessary physical skills. Additionally, hand over hand guidance can also help build trust and create a supportive learning environment. Are there specific considerations or precautions when using hand over hand guidance? Scientific DefinitionReal World Example of Hand Over Hand GuidanceMeet Susie, an adventurous girl facing challenges in tying her shoelaces. Her teacher introduces Hand Over Hand Prompting, a supportive method to guide her through the process:
Hand Over Hand Prompting empowers kids like Susie, offering a practical approach to overcoming challenges and fostering independence. How Hand Over Hand Guidance is UsedHand Over Hand Prompting is a technique used to assist individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties in specific tasks. It involves physically guiding their hands through movements, gradually reducing assistance for increased independence. Physical guidance: A caregiver guides the individual’s hands through desired motions. Task-specific: Used for tasks requiring fine motor skills or physical manipulation. Gradual fading: Assistance is reduced over time to promote independence. Sensory feedback: Provides tactile and proprioceptive input for understanding and muscle memory. Visual and verbal cues: Used alongside physical guidance to reinforce task steps. Hand Over Hand Prompting facilitates skill acquisition, empowering individuals to perform tasks independently. |
