COUNTDOWN STRIP Visual Supports are any tool presented visually that supports an individual as he or she moves throughout the day (Hume, 2008). Many students with autism can benefit from visual supports that help them to wait, show the passage of time, and see their schedule for the day. Countdown Strips are one such visual tool that can support students with autism by promoting predictability, providing structure, embedding reinforcement, defining an amount of time, and teaching flexibility. While visual and countdown timers can be an effective tool for the classroom, sometimes, there may be situations where we don’t know how much time remains. For example, if a student is completing a worksheet and we want to show the passage of time but focus on work completion versus a set amount of time, we might use a countdown strip to help the child see their progress with this task. A teacher might say to the student, “Five more problems, and then we are finished!” As each problem is completed, a number is pulled off as the teacher “counts down.” Some students might be able to tolerate a 10 number countdown strip, while other students might need a 3 or a 5 number countdown strip. It is very important to factor individual students’ needs into determining appropriate and effective tools to include in their toolkits. Additionally, there are different ways to present countdown strips, such as drawing an X over numbers with a dry erase marker, closing a tab or flap on top of a number, placing an X or similar icon on top of a number, or pulling Velcro numbers from a chart. However, a countdown strip is set up for a student, the idea that “time is passing by” is something that can benefit all learners. The Autism Classroom Toolkit includes a basic 5 number countdown strip with number cards to pull off as each step is completed or as time passes by. The top page houses the extra pieces, while the bottom page includes the countdown template. This particular support would be used by telling the individual, “We have five more ___” or a similar statement. A number would be removed from the book as you complete the count down to 0. Typically, something motivating (e.g. toys) would be included at the end of the countdown, thus teaching the learner that it’s exciting and fun to count 5-4-3-2-1.
Check out this video of the Countdown Strip in action.
Countdown Strip and TO DO List. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_lqNh2GNdQ
A teacher supports a young student with a countdown strip during a literacy activity.
48
www.closingthegap.com/membership | April / May, 2024 Closing The Gap © 2024 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
BACK TO CONTENTS
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator