If it’s not generalizing, it’s not functional. In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and materials.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Redefine Mastery: Ditch “80% for 3 days” as the finish line—probe across time (weeks), people, places, and materials.
• Plan for M+G Early: Write IEP goals that embed generalization (different staff, tables, exemplars) and maintenance checks.
• Teach Loosely ≠ Teach Sloppily: Use multiple exemplars (sizes, fonts, colors), varied instructions, and rotate staff from day one.
• Schedule Maintenance: Build in review times (e.g., Friday maintenance, quick sweeps after work sessions) and intersperse mastered items.
• Use Natural Opportunities: Count lunch boxes, read names on cubbies—teach outside the data squares for real-life use.
• Team Communication Wins: Share what works across classroom, gym, lunch, recess; align prompts and exemplars.
• Match the Learner: Some learners need tight scaffolds; others generalize quickly—individualize criteria and pacing.

🧰 Strategies You Can Use Tomorrow

• Goal Writing Upgrades: “Match letters with different colored cards, at different tables, with different staff, across two weeks at 80%.”
• Exemplar Rule of 3: Teach each concept with ≥3 versions (e.g., tiger photos, clipart, figurine).
• Mastered Bin System: Keep a “M” bin of mastered targets to intermix with new learning.
• Quick Maintenance Routines: 3–5 min daily spot-checks; Friday review block.
• Motivate Naturally: Embed practice before preferred activities (recess, lunch) for built-in reinforcement.

📦 Resources & Links

• Related Episodes: Episode #16 Probe vs Trial-by-Trial data and Episode #5 DTT vs NET

🤝 Join Us
💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
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Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

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• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

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This week’s Misfit Minute is all about a tiny tool with a big payoff—sticky notes! 📝 Audra shares a quick and easy praise strategy you can implement immediately to boost positive behavior, make students feel seen, and encourage classroom-wide reinforcement. Perfect for preschool, special education, and any classroom that thrives on connection and encouragement. 💛

🔑 Key Takeaways
📝 Use sticky notes as quick, visual praise for behaviors you want to reinforce
👏 Simple compliments like “I love how you raised your hand” can go a long way
👀 Visible notes spark peer motivation when classmates see positive recognition
🌟 Focus on students who need extra encouragement—small praise makes a big impact
🎯 Challenge: Pass out 5 sticky notes a day this week and see the difference!

📦 Resources Mentioned
💡 More quick classroom reinforcement ideas inside the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
🔗 Get these FREE Beat the Teacher visuals → https://abainschool.com/6n7u

🙌 Join Us & Share
💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources → https://abainschool.com/misfits
🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes on evidence-based strategies
👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who needs an easy win for positive behavior support!

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Preschool circle time doesn’t have to be chaos! 🎶 In this episode, we share simple strategies to keep little learners engaged, structured, and having fun—while meeting every student where they are. 🌟

🎧 Key Takeaways
• Purpose of Circle Time: Sets the tone for the day, offering structure and fun through songs, weather checks, and IEP skill practice. Adaptations are key to meeting the students where they are! 🌞
• Four Pillars of a Balanced Circle Time:
1. Physical Movement: Gross or fine motor activities to keep kids engaged 🏃‍♂️
2. Sensory Engagement: Incorporate sight, sound, and touch 🌈
3. Social Interaction: Encourage greetings, peer interactions, and communication 🤝
4. Cognitive Development: Incorporate pre-academic tasks like counting and identifying letters 🔤
• Circle Time Duration: Tailor it to your learners’ needs, generally 10-15 minutes for preschool, with shorter increments for younger or less-attentive children ⏱️
• Handling Refusals: Modify circle time to include small groupings, alternate activities, and sensory breaks for students who need it 🙋‍♂️
• Make It Fun: Use creative methods like sticker rewards, visual aids, and fun songs to maintain engagement and make learning enjoyable 🎶✨

🧰 Resources & Links
• Ideas for circle time songs: Simple, fun tunes like "Jack Hartmann" songs to keep kids engaged and interactive 🎵
• Visual aids: Use yes/no boards, weather charts, and name cards to boost participation and social skills 📊 Check out these circle time resources!
• Alternative activities: Quiet corner activities like puzzles for students who need a break 🧩 Try these calm corner visuals:
• Related Episodes: Misfit Minute #9 A fun circle time activity and Episode #18 Behavior Management Basics

🤝 Join Us
💬 Let us know your favorite data collection tip in the Misfit Behaviors Facebook Group
🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support!
📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
💬 Let us know what YOU wanna talk about in our Facebook group

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!