Homework Command Center BCBA Guide THE COR
BEHAVIORAL GROUP
September Curriculum • Theme 3
Homework Command Center: Routines, Boundaries, & Focus
60 Minutes
Objective
Clients will independently prepare their homework workspace using a 3-step checklist, employ polite assertive vocal scripts to advocate for uninterrupted focus time with parents/caregivers (denying well-meaning distractions), and sustain on-task behavior during timed focus intervals across at least 80% of clinical group trials.
Materials Needed
Focus Fortress Mission Log Handouts, Distraction Defense Task Cards, Visual Timers (Time Timers/sand timers), mock homework tasks (math worksheets/reading passages), personal desk caddies with supplies, and ABA group token reinforcers.
Group A Procedure
Prompt clients to transition from the gross motor area to the social skills group table. Deliver visual transition cues 2 minutes prior. Ensure all clients have an individualized token board, a clear seating boundary with personal desk caddies, and sensory seating accommodations if specified in their behavior plan before starting instruction.
Introduction (10 Minutes)
The BCBA introduces the concept of the "Focus Fortress" —how high-performing students protect their study bubble. Discuss that parents often interrupt not out of malice, but because they care (asking about dinner, showing funny videos, checking chores). Introduce the 3 Core Tenets: 1) Plan Ahead (Supplies Ready), 2) Set the Shield (Polite Boundary Script), 3) Sprint & Rest (Timer Focus) .
Clarifying Questions to Engage the Group:
"What happens to your brain when you are doing math and a parent walks in asking what you want for dinner?"
"Is it disrespectful to ask a parent to wait while you finish a problem? How can we do it kindly?"
"What supplies do you always forget that make you get out of your chair five times?"
Activity: "Distraction Dodgeball & Focus Sprint" (15 Minutes)
A gamified behavioral inoculation drill. Clients receive a mock assignment and a visual 5-minute timer. While working, RBTs and peers simulate common environmental distractors (dropping pens, playing notification chimes, walking by offering snacks).
1. Prep Phase 60s to gather all 4 required tools on checklist before timer.
2. Sprint Phase Maintain visual gaze on sheet; ignore non-critical sounds.
3. Shield Phase Execute polite boundary script if directly spoken to.
Debrief Questions: "Did you lose your focus when someone walked by? What script kept your brain locked in?"
The COR Behavioral Group • Social Skills Curriculum Page 1 of 2
Role Play #1: Structured Scenarios (15 Minutes)
Dyad Rotations
The BCBA models the "Polite Boundary Script" : 1) Acknowledge with eye contact, 2) State current focus task, 3) Give exact time to check in, 4) Thank them politely. Clients pair up using Distraction Defense Task Cards. One client acts as the parent; the other practices defending their study boundary using prompt cards (faded from full text to keyword prompts).
5 Structured Scenarios to Complete with Partner:
1 The Snack Delivery: Mom walks in with cookies and asks about school. Client script: "Thanks Mom! I'm in my 15-minute math sprint. Can I eat these and tell you at 4:30?"
2 The Sudden Errand: Dad asks to unload groceries right now. Client script: "I'm in the middle of a timed reading test. I have 6 minutes left—can I unload right after?"
3 The Anxious Hover: Parent hovers checking answers every 30 seconds. Client script: "I'm practicing doing this section by myself. Could we review all my questions together when my timer rings?"
4 The Sibling Invitation: Younger sibling enters with video games; parent encourages a break. Client script: "I really want to play, but I need to finish history first so I don't stress tonight."
5 The Phone/Device Check: Parent walks in to show a funny video on their phone. Client script: "That looks hilarious! Let's watch it during my 5-minute brain break. Back to my timer!"
Role Play #2 (Interactive & Open-Ended) (10 Minutes)
Center Simulation
The BCBA creates an immersive whole-room simulation: "The Living Room Crucible". One client sits at a mock kitchen table attempting to complete a 3-part homework task. Without warning, two RBTs/peers enter improvising multiple competing demands (e.g., Mom asks about a signed permission slip while Dad turns on the television nearby). The client must stop, maintain calm body language, deploy an adaptive boundary response, and resume work without behavioral escalation.
Closure & Debrief (5 Minutes)
BCBA facilitates group reflection: "Who felt nervous telling a mock parent 'not right now'?" Emphasize that polite boundaries prevent homework arguments later in the evening. Clients write their personal #1 distraction trigger on their Mission Log, award their final token reinforcement, and file their take-home door hangers in their backpacks.
Notes & Additional Activity (Clinical Differentiation)
BCBA Clinical Modifications:
For non-vocal or emerging vocal clients, utilize AAC pre-recorded speech buttons or visual "Focus Card: Please return at [Time]" to hand to parents without speaking.
Home Generalization Plan:
Provide caregivers with the caregiver counterpart guide so parents praise clients immediately when they employ polite boundary scripts rather than interpreting them as noncompliance.
The COR Behavioral Group • Social Skills Curriculum Page 2 of 2
Focus Fortress Student Handout ABA Social Skills & Executive Functioning
Focus Fortress: Homework Mission Log
Name:
Date:
Mission Objective
Set up your workspace, lock in your brain, and protect your study zone with polite family boundaries!
Level 1: Recruit
Step 1: The Pre-Flight Launchpad (Get Ready BEFORE Starting!)
Check every box before turning on your homework timer. No leaving your chair during a sprint!
Desk Clear: Only today's assignment in front of me Tools Ready: 2 sharpened pencils, eraser, & calculator Body Fuel: Full water bottle & healthy snack nearby Screen Lock: Phone on silent in another room or bag
Step 2: The Distraction Shield (Polite Boundary Scripts)
When parents or family interrupt you, remember: they love you, but your brain needs quiet! Use the 4-part script formula:
1. Look & Smile Calm eye contact
2. Name Mission "I'm in my math sprint"
3. Give Time "Can I talk in 15 mins?"
4. Thank Them "Thanks for waiting!"
Scenario A: Parent walks in with a chore ("Unload the dishwasher right now!")
Write your polite boundary script below:
Scenario B: Sibling enters wanting to show a funny video on YouTube
Write your polite boundary script below:
Desk Focus Sign (Fold & Place on Desk)
"BRAIN AT WORK! Focus Sprint ends at: ________. Please knock softly after that!"
Desk Tent
Focus Fortress Mission Log • The COR Behavioral Group Page 1 of 2
Mission Control: Plan Your Focus Sprints
20-Min Focus Blocks
Today's Homework Attack Plan
List your tasks in order from hardest to easiest. Tackle the monster first!
Order Subject / Task Name Timer (Mins) Parent Shielded? Status #1 Hardest 20 min [ ] Yes [ ] Needed Help [ ] Done BREAK 5-Minute Brain Break (Water, stretch, check in with parent) #2 Medium 15 min [ ] Yes [ ] Needed Help [ ] Done #3 Quick 10 min [ ] Yes [ ] Needed Help [ ] Done
Distraction Radar: Deny or Stop?
Distraction Defense Task Cards ABA Group Social Skills • Role Play #1
Distraction Defense: Structured Task Cards
Dyad Practice
Cut along dashed lines or use as station cards. Partner A acts as the well-meaning family member; Partner B deploys the Polite Boundary Script. Switch roles after 2 successful trials!
Card 1 • The Snack Delivery Difficulty: ★☆☆
Parent Prompt (Partner A):
"Hey honey! I made fresh warm chocolate chip cookies. Come eat them and tell me everything about your day at school!"
Target Client Script (Partner B):
"Those look amazing, Mom! I'm in my 15-minute math sprint right now. Can you leave two here and I'll talk to you at 4:30?"
Criteria: [ ] Eye Contact [ ] Calm Tone [ ] Specific Time Stated [ ] Returned to Task
Card 2 • The Sudden Errand Difficulty: ★★☆
Parent Prompt (Partner A):
"I just pulled into the driveway with 10 bags of groceries. Drop what you're doing and come carry them inside right now!"
Target Client Script (Partner B):
"I'm in the middle of a timed reading test, Dad. My timer has 5 minutes left—I'll come help carry everything the second it rings!"
Criteria: [ ] Eye Contact [ ] Calm Tone [ ] Specific Time Stated [ ] Returned to Task
Card 3 • The Anxious Hover Difficulty: ★★☆
Parent Prompt (Partner A):
(Stands closely behind desk, pointing at worksheet) "Did you do problem 4 right? Make sure you carry the one! Let me see."
Target Client Script (Partner B):
"I'm practicing trying these on my own first. Could you please look at all of them with me when my 15-minute timer beeps?"
Criteria: [ ] Eye Contact [ ] Calm Tone [ ] Specific Time Stated [ ] Returned to Task
Card 4 • Sibling Games Difficulty: ★★★
Family Prompt:
"Your brother has Mario Kart ready. Come play just one race!"
Client Script:
"I really want to play! If I finish writing now, I can play with him for a whole hour after 5:00."
Card 5 • Phone / Screen Check Difficulty: ★★★
Parent Prompt:
"Look at what grandma just texted our family group chat!"
Client Script:
"That looks super funny! I have my phone put away for another 10 minutes. Show me at my brain break!"
Distraction Defense Task Cards • The COR Behavioral Group Page 1 of 2
