What is Shaping in Applied Behavior Analysis: Small Steps to Big Change

Written By: Tara Karen, M.S. Ed, BCBA, LBA

Understanding Shaping in ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science rooted in the idea that people learn best when they are motivated. This is the concept of reinforcement- we complete an action and something occurs afterward that makes us continue to complete that action more often.

But when we are faced with learning a complex skill, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed and lose motivation. Behavior Analysts address this by breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable steps so that motivation stays high. This process is called shaping, and it is one of the most effective and compassionate strategies within ABA.

The Process of Shaping in ABA: Reinforcing Progress

At its core, shaping is about reinforcing small improvements until a new skill emerges. It is the process of celebrating progress, not just perfection.

Breaking Down the Definition of Shaping

The more formal definition of shaping in ABA is the differential reinforcement of successive approximations to a desired target behavior until the full behavior is achieved. Let’s break that down. Differential reinforcement means we reward only the responses that bring us closer to the goal, while no longer reinforcing the earlier attempts.

Successive approximations are those gradually closer versions of the behavior—each step that looks more like the final goal. And the target behavior is simply that end skill we are working toward. Shaping works so well because reinforcement moves with the learner. Each time they take a step forward, they receive reinforcement, and the previous versions no longer earn it. This gentle shift naturally encourages progress and keeps momentum going.

Real-Life Examples of Shaping

Most of us have used shaping without realizing it. Think about cheering when a baby takes a wobbly first step, even though they quickly fall down. Or celebrating yourself when you stick with a new workout for a week, even if the marathon goal is still far away. These are examples of shaping—recognizing and reinforcing small, meaningful steps on the path to a bigger accomplishment.

Shaping in Early Intervention: Building Core Skill

In early intervention, shaping is a lifeline for building communication, play, and independence. Imagine a toddler learning to say “water.” At first, they may simply look at the cup. That earns reinforcement. Next, they might say “wuh.” Then “wa,” followed by “wata,” and eventually the full word “water.” Each approximation is reinforced until the target word is reached, and each time the child can say the next sound, the previous sound is no longer given that reinforcement. This is what pushes us to keep improving, rather than staying stagnant.

Reinforcing approximations instead of waiting for the full behavior reduces frustration and helps children stay motivated.

Implementing Shaping in Schools

Shaping is also powerful in classrooms. Take the example of a student who struggles with essay writing. At first, they might only write a title. That is reinforced. Soon, they write a single sentence. Later, a paragraph. Eventually, they produce an entire essay. Each approximation makes the big goal feel manageable.

Academic and Social Development through Shaping

Social skills can also be shaped in school. A student who feels anxious about group participation may first be reinforced for standing near classmates. Then for making eye contact. Later for giving a small wave. Eventually, they greet peers with words and join conversations.

By celebrating these incremental steps, shaping helps students grow both academically and socially in a way that feels supportive and achievable. We are meeting the student where they are at, and then building on their successes, which is integral for every learner!

Shaping Strategies in Adulthood

Shaping is not just for children and students. Adults use it every day, often without naming it.

Consider someone training for a 5K. At first, reinforcement might come simply from walking around the block. Next, jogging for one minute. Then running for five minutes. Every time a milestone is reached, we no longer stop at that first milestone, we keep pushing to go a little further. Over time, they build up to the full distance. Each stage keeps them moving forward.

Shaping vs. Chaining: Key Differences

Shaping is sometimes confused with another ABA strategy called chaining, but the two are different. Shaping is about refining one behavior through successive approximations, while chaining is about teaching a sequence of behaviors that link together into a full routine.

For example, shaping is used when teaching a child to say “water”—moving from “wa” to “wata” to the full word. Chaining, however, applies to handwashing, where the learner is taught each step: turn on the faucet, apply soap, scrub, rinse, and dry. The key difference is that shaping builds a single behavior gradually, reinforcing successive steps to completion, while chaining occurs at one time, and links smaller behaviors into a larger sequence. Both strategies use reinforcement, and both can work together depending on the goal.

Everyday Applications of Shaping

When you have a task or goal that feels overwhelming, shaping can make it manageable. Take personal finance as an example. Many of us have at least one debt we would like to pay down, and we can shape our own behavior to get there.

At first, you might simply pay the monthly minimum. This is reinforced because you are consistent and avoiding late fees. But once that becomes routine, just paying the minimum no longer feels like progress. The next approximation is paying the minimum plus $10 extra. Reinforcement now shifts—you feel proud of going beyond the minimum and gain momentum from the small extra payment.

Over time, you increase again, perhaps adding $50 extra each month, and you set up a visual tracker to cross off each $100 paid off. Now the $10 step is not reinforced anymore, your focus and excitement come from these bigger wins. Eventually, you reach the final behavior: making consistent, larger payments until the debt is completely gone. The ultimate reinforcement comes when you celebrate your debt-free milestone.

This process shows how shaping works outside of therapy. It is not just a clinical tool, it’s a universal way people learn, grow, and stay motivated.

Shaping Growth, One Step at a Time

Shaping represents compassionate ABA at its best. Instead of waiting for perfection, it values effort and acknowledges progress. By reinforcing approximations, learners feel successful at every step, which reduces frustration and increases motivation. From early intervention to classrooms to everyday life, shaping reminds us that big goals are achieved one small step at a time.

At Achieve Beyond, we believe those small steps matter. Through shaping, we help learners of all ages gain confidence, independence, and joy in their accomplishments—because progress is always worth celebrating.

Contact us to begin your journey with Achieve Beyond’s shaping strategies.