NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Practice Exam

The ideal method for teaching a child with low frustration tolerance to tie shoelaces is backward chaining. This technique focuses on breaking down the task into manageable steps, allowing the child to experience success and build confidence by starting with the last step of the task they will eventually perform independently.

In backward chaining, the instructor helps the child complete all but the final step of tying the shoelaces. Once the child completes that last step, they can feel a sense of achievement because they have successfully tied their shoelaces, which can help boost their motivation and reduce frustration levels. This gradual process reinforces learning and allows the child to practice the skill in a way that ensures earlier success, leading to increased self-efficacy and decreased anxiety about the task.

Other methods, like physical guidance, provide hands-on support but may not promote independence as effectively. Verbal cues can assist in understanding but do not offer the practical experience needed for skill acquisition. Forward chaining starts with the first steps, which can be challenging for a child with low frustration tolerance, potentially leading to feelings of failure or overwhelm. Therefore, backward chaining is particularly effective for fostering positive experiences and skill mastery in children facing challenges with frustration tolerance.