- Gestural Prompts: The instructor or tutor provides directions
through motions, cues, and gestures. Verbal prompts are also given at the
same time.
- Demonstrative Prompts: The instructor or tutor provides
directions by demonstrating a particular learning task for the learner. Verbal
prompts are also given at the same time. When it is the learner's turn to
perform the particular task, the tutor can observe the learner and offer additional
supports as necessary.
- Physical Prompts: This is the most "intrusive"
prompting method. The instructor or tutor physically (gently) guides the learner
through the steps of a particular learning task. Verbal prompts are also given
at the same time. As an example of a physical prompt, the tutor can place
her hand on that of the learner, to assist in gripping a pencil or drawing
a letter of the alphabet.
The amount or frequency of prompting should be reduced as quickly as appropriate,
so that the learner can learn to accomplish literacy tasks independently. Intrusive
methods of prompting should gradually be substituted with less intrusive methods.
This is known as "fading."
"More Intrusive 
Less Intrusive"
"More Frequent
Less Frequent"
"Prompting
No Prompting"
Adapted from:
Patty O'Haire, Pamela Phillips & Kathy Browers. An Implementation Guide
for Beyond the Classroom: Community-Based Instruction for Adults with Developmental
Disabilities. Largo, FL: Pinellas County Schools, pp. 20-22.