Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) A FBA is a structured process used to understand why a behavior is happening. The goal is simple: Identify the function, or purpose, the behavior serves. Because behavior is not random.It accomplishes something for the child or student in some way. Formal FBAs are often required when behavior significantly impacts learning or safety. In school settings, a formal FBA is typically conducted by trained professionals (such as a BCBA, school psychologist, or...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Data Collection: Making Behavior Make Sense When people hear “data collection,” they often think: ➡️ Clipboards.➡️ Complicated charts.➡️ One more thing on an already full plate. But in real life? Data is simply how we notice patterns so we can support kids better... with more clarity, less guesswork, and more compassion. Good data helps us answer questions like: ✔️ Is this getting better?✔️ Is this getting worse?✔️ Is what I’m doing actually helping?✔️ What does this child need next? Let’s...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
First-Then Principle You might hear this in a classroom, at home, or during homework time—and it’s more than just a routine. It’s a powerful strategy often called First-Then (sometimes known as Grandma’s Law). At its core, this idea is simple: 👉🏾 Children are more likely to complete challenging or less enjoyable tasks when they know something motivating will come next. When expectations are clear and connected to something they care about, follow-through becomes easier. This strategy works...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Shaping: How Small Wins Build Big Skills Last huddle, we explored task analysis—breaking complex skills into clear, teachable steps so learners know what success looks like. *To read the last huddle, click here This huddle builds on that foundation with another essential behavior strategy: shaping. What is shaping? Shaping is the practice of reinforcing closer and closer approximations of a target skill over time. In simple terms: identify the end goal, break it down into smaller steps, and...
2 months ago • 1 min read
I wanted to share something meaningful as I reflect on my week — a conversation that still sits with me. I was honored to be a guest on the Behavior Bites podcast with Rosie Jeffers, where we dug into what it really looks like to show up as yourself — in your work, your community, and your life. We talked about some big, honest stuff: ✨ What it means to be your authentic self in every setting — professionally and personally. ✨ The leap from fear to connection — and the value of being...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Task Analysis: Turning Routines Into Teachable Steps Sometimes behavioral expectations need to be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps to support success. Think about all the steps involved in driving to work: unlocking the car > starting the engine > placing your hands on the steering wheel > shifting into drive > pressing the gas pedal > navigating traffic. Most adults do this automatically... but only because these steps were explicitly taught, practiced, and reinforced over...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Prompting with Purpose In our last newsletter, we explored what prompting is and why it matters. Now let’s talk about how to use prompts intentionally—so support builds independence instead of dependence. This is where prompt hierarchy and structured prompting strategies come in. Click here to download our Prompting Guide Prompt Hierarchy A prompt hierarchy is a planned order of prompts, ranging from least intrusive to most intrusive, used to support learning while preserving dignity and...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Prompting: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Types of Prompts Prompting is a foundational tool used with students and children—and one of the most misunderstood. At its core, a prompt is any additional support given to help a learner engage in a desired behavior or skill. Prompts are not about control or compliance. They’re about access, clarity, and confidence—especially when a skill is still developing. We prompt because: Learners don’t always know what to do yet Expectations may be...
3 months ago • 1 min read
In case you missed our FREE gifts from last year... In 2025, I shared a handful of free resources created to support educators and caregivers with behavior support implementation and day-to-day decision-making. Whether you’re looking for a quick refresher, something practical to use right away, or tools to save for later, I’ve gathered them all in one place for you. Thank you for being a part of our huddle! Freebies (yes totally free, no signing up for access, just click the link for direct...
3 months ago • 1 min read