Low Tech Assistive Technology Tools for Behavior Management

By: Sue Stubbs, EC-SEAT Scholar

Managing behavior in a classroom is ever changing. One’s style of behavior management is never the same from year to year, maybe similar but not exactly the same. Behavior management truly depends on the class dynamics. I have found some Low Cost and Low Tech Assistive Technology tools that work in a preschool classroom to help assist with behaviors and children with varying needs. 

Specialized Chairs 

Specialized chairs with leg support and Box Chairs help assist children with sitting.
These tools help children have upright posture when sitting at circle or at a table. It provides one with the ability to be able to focus and maintain attention during instruction time.

Wiggle Cushion 

These assist with attention and provides a child with sensory needs the ability to sit in a whole group or small group setting while providing some movement. 

Weighted Blanket and Vests

These help with sensory integration along with weighted vests.

Picture Schedules and First Then Strips 

These are used to help children with transitions in the classroom and to be aware of what is expected of them. This often helps to eliminate behaviors and prepare children for unexpected events. 

Fidget Tools

These low-tech supports, such as putty and fidget spinners are used to help children to attend to the task at hand during whole group and small group circle time. These items can be used to promote fine motor skills and strengthen fine motor skills. 

Reflection

In the morning class, one child is a very young three year old and often his behavior is run on the need for attention and feeling like he is in control of the situation. This child has difficulty sitting at circle and following the demands of the teacher. At circle this child benefits from holding an item such as putty while waiting his turn at circle. He has a choice between two items of which one he will hold and in which two seats he will sit in the wooden chair with supports or the box chair, as to provide him with the ability to choose and feel as if he is in control. The expectations to be able to hold this said item at circle are made clear to this child at the start of each circle. This child even is able to state the expectations to the adults in the classroom. This child also uses a picture schedule to help keep him on track and be aware of the transition times.