Module 1: Instructional Planning and Strategies

Backward Chaining

Backward chaining is a specific, intentional way to teach a new skill or routine.

Break the routine down into small steps and complete all but the final step for the student. The final step is the one the student helps to complete. For example, when learning to put on a coat, the teacher assists the student to put their arms through the sleeves and put the coat on. The final step in the chain—and the one targeted for instruction—is for the student to help pull up the zipper.

Once your student can do the final step (with the support they require such as hand-under-hand help to pull the zipper), then we target the final two skills for instruction. Assist the student to complete the last two steps of putting on their coat (loading the zipper pin to start the zipper, and then pull up the zipper). As competence develops, teach the student to do more of the chain of tasks to put their coat on independently. Continue stepping or “chaining backward” until the student completes the entire task with the support they need.

Opportunity for Practice: Backward Chaining

Demonstrate backward chaining by arranging the steps in sequence to teach the following skills.

Taking Off Coat

  1. Step 1:
    Correct Answer: Hang up coat
  2. Step 2:
    Correct Answer: Pull second arm out of sleeve
  3. Step 3:
    Correct Answer: Hold second sleeve with opposite hand
  4. Step 4:
    Correct Answer: Pull first arm out of sleeve
  5. Step 5:
    Correct Answer: Hold first sleeve with opposite hand
  6. Step 6:
    Correct Answer: Pull down on zipper tab to unzip coat
  7. Step 7:
    Correct Answer: Pinch zipper tab

Handwashing

  1. Step 1:
    Correct Answer: Throw away paper towel
  2. Step 2:
    Correct Answer: Dry hands
  3. Step 3:
    Correct Answer: Turn off water
  4. Step 4:
    Correct Answer: Rinse hands
  5. Step 5:
    Correct Answer: Rub hands together
  6. Step 6:
    Correct Answer: Get soap
  7. Step 7:
    Correct Answer: Turn on water
  8. Step 8:
    Correct Answer: Go to sink

Extra Credit

Backward chain how you would teach your student one or two of the following tasks:

  • Putting on rain boots
  • Putting on sunglasses
  • Opening a snack package like a bar or yogurt tub