Primary Classroom Consequences
How to Manage Elementary School Student Behavior Problems
An effective classroom management plan decreases inappropriate and distracting student behaviors. It should include clear classroom procedures, positive reinforcement of desired behaviors, and unambiguous consequences
To have maximum impact, teachers should determine classroom consequences before a problem behavior occurs. All students should know the consequences of their actions for rule infractions and these consequences should be implemented consistently.
Class Movements
- Redirect the behavior of the entire class by asking the students to perform a quick kinesthetic movement such as to stand up and turn around or to put their hand on the head if they know the answer.
Call on a Neighbor
- Gain the attention of a student who is off-task during a class discussion by calling on a student sitting near him to paraphrase the answer or point that was made.
Draw a Picture
- A student who continues to not follow a class procedure should be reminded of the correct procedure and then asked to draw a picture of himself following the rule.
- This picture can be displayed on his desk as a visual cue for proper behavior.
Behavior Goals
- If a student is having significant behavior problems, she can write a behavior goal for herself.
- The teacher will use examples of past behaviors and prompting to guide the student to write an appropriate goal.
- The student will sign the goal to ensure cooperation.
Student Conference
- When a student cannot be redirected, he should be matter-of-factly removed from the group.
- The teacher will quietly conference with him to make him aware of the inappropriate behavior without drawing attention away from the lesson.
- The student will be given a chance to correct his behavior and return to the group.
Parent Conference
- During a parent conference the teacher will first praise any correct classroom behaviors and highlight student strengths.
- The problem can then be presented and the parent help enlisted to remedy the situation.
Chain of Consequences
- Develop a step-by-step list of what will happen if a student continues not to follow class procedures.
- Post it in the classroom and send it home to parents so all parties are on the same page.
To manage student behavior teachers need to have a classroom management plan that includes specific, descriptive consequences that are taught to the students at the beginning of the school year. Examples of effective classroom consequences include student redirection, writing behavior goals, and conferencing.
For more serious behavior problems, school policy should be followed. Parents should be involved and contacted by phone call, note, or in person. The parents can then work with the school to determine the most effective solution.
