Set clear expectations and boundaries while staying kind but firm, and remind the student that rewards are earned by completing their work and following directions. Rewards can be items such as stickers.
For example:
- Explain the plan at the start: “We’re finishing this page, and then you can pick a sticker.”
- Stick to your side of the deal. If they ask “Can I just do half?”, calmly repeat what you agreed on instead of bargaining: “The deal is the whole page. You’ve already done four, you’re almost there.”
- Use “first, then” language: “First finish this problem, then we can talk about your game.”