Are you looking for strategies to help students who show phobic reactions? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the learner for taking part in learning activities : (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

2. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., avoiding learning activities ) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., taking part in learning activities ).

3. Assess the appropriateness of the expectations for taking part in learning activities based on the learner’s capacity and ability to perform the task.

4. Praise the learner for taking part in learning activities based on the duration of time they can do so comfortably. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the number of times required for reinforcement.

5. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., changing clothing for physical education) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

6. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for taking part in learning activities at school.

7. Select a peer to model taking part in learning activities for the learner.

8. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, instructions they do not understand.

9. Praise those students in the classroom who take part in learning activities.

10. If appropriate, give the learner a private space in which to change clothing for physical education.

11. Maintain a pleasant/calm atmosphere.

12. To the extent appropriate, praise the learner for changing their clothing for physical education.

13. Get the learner to take part in learning activities that require minimal participation. As the learner becomes more comfortable, slowly increase the learner’s participation.

14. Make sure that the physical education clothing the learner is required to wear is appropriate.

15. If the learner is reluctant to change clothing for physical education in the presence of others, let the learner change clothing in private. As the learner becomes more comfortable, slowly increase the number of peers in whose presence they change clothing.

16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.