Least to most intrusive

In dealing with children, there are many positive strategies that can be effective in preventing and limiting poor behaviour. The following list is not in a strict order from first to last but is based on the “least-to-most intrusive” principle. Here are some of the least intrusive teacher interventions, the kind that will be used before consequences are applied.

• Reminding class/individual of expectations before start of activity.
• Using gestures or warning looks.
• Tactically ignoring unwanted behaviour, while noticing and affirming desirable behaviour.
• Distracting and diverting a child in order to keep him on task.
• Calling a child’s name…pausing…giving instruction.
• Allowing take-up time, after giving instructions.
• Partially agreeing with pupil’s excuses, while insisting on rule reminder.
• Silently issuing a ‘stop-and-think’ card.
• Verbal warning.
• Keeping a child back for follow-up.

Consequences

Immediate Consequences

may include:

• Loss of Golden Time
• Re-location in classroom
• Time Out, within the room
• Time Out in a neighbouring classroom

Deferred Consequences

The certainty rather than the severity of the consequence is the important thing.

• Follow-up after lesson: the child is prompted by the teacher to reflect on their behaviour.
• A task done after lesson to make restitution, i.e. related to wrongdoing.
• Loss of whole playtime to reflect on behaviour. The 4 Ws sheet, is used to help the child address the issues. This is often sent home, to be signed by the parent with a note outlining the reason for this task having to be done.
• Loss of whole playtime, extra work administered. This is used when a second loss of playtime is required (repeated behaviour).

Managing the Playground

The same progression from least-to-most-intrusive teacher intervention follows, with the following caveat. Some behaviour needs to be dealt with on the spot, because of its seriousness. Most bullying, for example, takes place out of the classroom. Time Out - the immediate loss of the right to play – will be applied in the following cases.

• Physical aggression
• Racial abuse
• Abusive swearing
• Dangerous play that risks injury

Due process for dealing with persistently poor behaviour