What type of graphic organizer might the student require in order to visually represent and organize the concepts, feelings, or behaviors that relate to this particular topic?
The uses of graphic organizers are incredibly diverse for this topic: they can help with identification of antecedents, the recognition of anxious thoughts, and the evaluation and rehearsal of coping strategies. Additionally, many of the graphic organizers listed below (as well as those you develop) can easily be adapted for use as post-lesson visual reminder cues.
There is a wide array of examples offered below. It is not advisable that you introduce all of these visual supports. Rather, select the one(s) that are most appropriate for the student, and then introduce them in a systematic fashion:
An anger thermometer is a classic tool to teach the differentiation in the degrees of anger. The bottom of the thermometer represents no anger, the next level up represents ‘frustration,’ the next level represents ‘anger,’ and the top of the thermometer represents ‘infuriated.’ Change the labels to fit the student’s thinking. The student can then write in situations that correspond to each of the levels of anger. For the student who has trouble generating open-ended responses, present them with various scenarios or situations that they then sort into the corresponding level on the thermometer.
This example uses a thermometer to indicate different levels of anger:
The “Volcano Scale” organizer uses a number scale and unique visual cues to help provide concrete recognition of the physical and emotional cues of stress:
These documents work together to identify antecedents or triggers:
The following graphic organizers show options for coping strategies (with and without visual picture cues):
This decision making guide provides an organized method for considering the pros and cons of options when encountering a stressful issue:
It is difficult for anyone to always perform with absolute perfection. This “Take 5 T-Chart” is great for self-reflection on how previous situations were handled and how they could have been handled better:
What works as a coping strategy for one person may not work for another. This “What Relaxes You?” form provides an extensive checklist of options for possible strategies:
Once you have identified the strategies that calm the student down, develop a coping plan. Generally, coping plans consist of a few strategies that the student can engage in to calm down. Many of the strategies may simply serve as a distraction for the student to take their mind off whatever is bothering them until the strong feelings of anger are over, and they are able to deal with the situation more calmly. The first step of the coping plan is often to go to a safe, quiet place where the student can engage in these strategies. The last step of the coping plan should tell the student what to do next, such as go back to work.
Is there a way to visually or thematically incorporate the student’s interests into this graphic organizer to increase motivation and engagement?
What additional visual clarity cues (e.g. icons, bolding, highlighting, color-coding) might you add to the graphic organizer to clarify concepts and to direct attention to key details?
For example, on the above “Decision Making Guide,” perhaps the student would benefit from more differentiation between “pros” and “cons” by color-coding the bubbles (ex: green around the “pros” bubbles, red around the “cons” bubbles). Using such color-coding can also help you link multiple organizers. In this example, you may have the student select pros and cons from pre-made lists or word banks that you created. The word banks would be housed within color-corresponding boxes on a separate form (green for possible “pros,” red for possible “cons”). This way, the student would refer to the green word bank for ideas to place in the “pro” section of the “Decision Making Guide,” and the red word bank for “cons.”
In order to align this intervention topic area with the unique needs of the student, do you need to create a graphic organizer in the View2do program?
