Type Tips from the Experts

Small, Sequential Steps for the Sensing Preference: Type Tip #19

Use small, sequential steps when creating or structuring directions for students who prefer Sensing rather than compound or complex sentences. For example, instead of writing "Name all the vegetables that are native to the area, and tell how the local people use these to survive, and identify how else they might make a living" write the task as three separate sentences. "Name all the vegetables that are native to the area. Tell how the local people use the native vegetables to survive. Identify how else the local people might make a living." Young people with a preference for Sensing have said the first way is "confusing" but the second way is "clear." The work is the same. This same approach works well when giving directions at home, too.

Extraversion, Self-Management, Type Awareness, Type Tip

Second Chance: Type Tip #18

Sometimes preteens, with a preference for Extraversion, say things first, before they think it through and then may feel they have to stand by what was said. The strategy of "second chance" allows an alternative. When a student said something that might be considered rude, I would say, "Second chance. Do you want to say that another way?" So often they would. If a child just wanted to be rude, they would say a second rude comment. When that happens then you know it is not Extraversion but is rudeness and you can give an appropriate consequence.

Perceiving, Change, Judging, Time Management, Transition, Type Tip

5-Minute Warning: Type Tip #17

Use the "5-Minute Warning" to let a child know when closure to their task is imminent. "In five minutes, we will need to leave." Warning of the change in an activity is respectful to both the Judging (J) and Perceiving (P) preference. Those who prefer J are typically early starting and like to know what is coming next so they can formulate a plan. People who prefer P are often pressure-prompted and like to keep their options open, so advance notice reminds them to complete the task at hand. Time management for a J preference means following a schedule and reaching closure quickly, whereas, with a P preference, keeping options open until the last moment is optimal, producing their best work in those final minutes.

Decision-Making, Differences, Feeling, Thinking, Type Tip

Thinking/Feeling - Both Decision Words: Type Tip #16

Those with a Thinking preference tend to hear the word "feel" as an emotion. Those with a Feeling preference hear that word as a decision, a choice. So, when I work with young children, I try to use a pair of words. Instead of saying "How do you feel about that?" I say, "What do you think or feel about that?" Children who prefer Thinking can latch onto the "think" word and children with a Feeling preference can latch onto the word "feel."

Type Awareness, Communication, Feeling, Intuition, Sensing, Thinking, Type Tip

Word Choice Matters: Type Tip #15

Frame your question with the mental process (Sensing, Intuition, Thinking, Feeling) you want them to use. Your choice of words influences which process is used in the response: "Find the flaw..." (Thinking), "Help me explore other possibilities..." (Intuition), "What do we already know?" (Sensing), and "What makes this important?" (Feeling).