In special education, it is crucial to address and develop essential skills that help students succeed both academically and socially. One such target skill is patience, which plays a significant role in a child’s learning, social interactions, and overall wellbeing.

Understanding Patience as a Target Skill

Patience is the ability to tolerate waiting, delay, or frustration without becoming agitated or upset. It enables students to cope with challenging situations, manage their emotions, and interact positively with their peers. Developing patience in PreK students is essential for fostering a positive learning environment and building strong social skills.

The Role of Specialists

Various specialists can support the development of patience in students:

• Speech-Language Pathologists can help students express their emotions and communicate effectively while waiting.
• Social Workers can teach coping strategies and provide support to students and families to enhance patience.
• Psychologists can identify underlying issues that may be affecting a student’s ability to be patient and develop targeted interventions.
• School Counselors can assist students in managing their emotions and handling conflicts related to waiting or taking turns.

IEP Goals for Developing Patience

Here are some SMART IEP goals to help PreK students improve their patience:

Goal 1: Waiting for Turn

By [date], [student] will demonstrate the ability to wait for their turn in a group activity without displaying frustration, as measured by teacher observation and documentation.

Strategies and activities:

• Use visual cues to show the order of turns.
• Practice taking turns in small group activities.
• Teach and reinforce self-calming techniques.

Goal 2: Managing Emotions While Waiting

By [date], [student] will utilize self-regulation strategies to manage emotions while waiting, as observed by the teacher in 4 out of 5 opportunities.

Strategies and activities:

• Teach deep breathing exercises.
• Introduce fidget tools to help students focus.
• Encourage positive self-talk.

Implementing and Measuring Progress

To implement these IEP goals and measure progress, consider the following tips:

• Collaborate with specialists to address specific student needs.
• Monitor and document student progress regularly.
• Adjust goals and strategies as needed based on student performance.
• Involve parents and caregivers in the process.

Conclusion

Developing patience in PreK students is crucial for their success in the classroom and beyond. By implementing these IEP goals and working closely with specialists, educators can help students improve their patience and enhance their overall wellbeing. We encourage you to apply these techniques and explore more resources at Everyday Speech Sample Materials to support your students.