VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 2
Backwards Chaining. With backwards chaining you will complete all steps
of an activity together with a child placing their hand on top of yours, then pause or
encourage them to complete the very last step on their own. With practice and
repetition, you slowly give them more control and expect them to complete
additional steps as appropriate until eventually they are completing the task from
start to finish.
Slow Release. In this final method, I slowly move my hand out of the
activity. This tends to unfold naturally and organically as I feel a student is ready,
but hesitant, for increased independence. This looks like me getting a student's
hand further down a pencil or crayon or holding on to tongs while I just help
squeeze them. It's amazing how quickly a student will take over when they "think"
you are helping.
