Time Delay and Expectant Look

Time delay is an effective prompting strategy because it uses a planned, few-second wait time before a child is given help for the correct response. In this example, the goal for the child is to independently initiate a request by asking the educator to open the door. After arriving at the door, the educator waits a few seconds then gives the child an expectant look. This is a non-verbal prompt that cues the child into what she is supposed to do. The child then says “open” which is the correct, desired response. Using an expectant look, rather than a verbal prompt such as “tell me to open the door” is a less intrusive prompt and will be easier to fade out when the child learns to initiate a request on her own.