In my kindergarten classroom I have a set of predetermined consequences for my students when they do not follow directions. The first time I give a warning, the second time they sit in time out, the third time they miss their recess and the fourth time is a note home to parents. I am consistant in implementing these consequences to 20 of my 23 students. However, I have three "difficult" young men with whom I am not consistent with the consequences. I generally give these students several warnings before time out, and then several more before loss of recess and notes home to parents. The reason I do this is because I feel that these students would be getting written up everyday if I followed the same procedures I do for the other classmates. I feel that they just have a harder time controlling their actions and that they need extra reminders. Is what I am doing ok, or should I treat these boys the same as everyone else?
2007-11-11 08:25:13 · 7 answers · asked by Tess O 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
My child is one of the three. His teacher started a notebook in a zip lock bag that goes back and forth everyday in his backpack. We tell his teacher of things we feel may effect his performance in school, such as a bat visiting his bedroom and freaking him out, and she tells us when he is a little demon spawn. The school year started out with notes back and forth often.
I am thankful for the feedback. It is much easier as the parent to stop things on a daily basis than on a quarterly basis. The year started with hitting and kicking. That note spawned Mom and Dad to visit the classroom and provide corrective reminders as needed so the teacher could teach. Now we have that under control and we are dealing with fake farting noises. I'm sure the hitting was just as upsetting to the teacher as the noises are disruptive to her teaching. We treat it all the same at home. A bad note is a bad note. She will sometimes put stickers in his notebook when he's been good. He loves the stickers and we talk a lot about what we do and how it affects others around us.
His behavior was actually disruptive enough that we have placed him in therapy and it is really helping him improve. He was having some real fear issues at the beginning of the year and his teacher has seen much improvement. Without those notes this past weekend would have been the first time we found out our child was causing problems. This way he's already getting better and his teacher isn't as stressed out.
His teacher also started to take his free time away and that ended up backfiring. He misbehaved more because he never got to play. So I would think twice if you are removing recess from the same student over and over. The note home might be the better choice. I think I went to recess twice my whole 3rd grade year because I couldn't read fast enough to get my classroom exercises done. Turns out I'm dyslexic. I hate that teacher to this day.
2007-11-11 11:20:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Different children have different needs. Some children physically have a hard time remaining calm and quiet for any length of time. It won't help to continually single them out and punish them to be "fair". If a child is having a hard time, they could have a special positive behavior plan. Instead of your three strikes you are out for the day- the day could be broken in chunks that start over. Rewards for making it through so many chunks, etc. Missing recess everyday for a child that has a lot of energy and has a hard time controlling his actions is not going to help. However, I am not saying to be inconsistent. One warning, then a consequence still applies- the change is that the goal needs to be more realistic for the particular child. (For example, three time-outs then lose recess). The other children understand that some kids are slower learners and need more time, or need more detailed directions. Those children aren't just given the same requirements as the rest of the class to be fair. Their education is tailored to their individual needs. The children would understand that certain kids have different rules. But the problem comes with repeated warnings with out follow through. This does show unfairness and the idea that certain kids can get away with more. Everyone should be treated the same-with kindness and consistency- but that doesn't mean that every child is at the same place emotionally, socially, or academically. If a child is lacking control over his body/noises- then you help him "learn" this skill- with praise, rewards, and opportunities to show his "great behavior" instead of a continual rut of negative punishment, sitting out, and getting attention for disruptions.
2007-11-12 13:11:12 · answer #2 · answered by Jessica 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is kind of wrong of you to treat these young boys better. You should treat every kid the same. If you keep having to send a note to there parents every day then so be it. They will learn not to be behaving the way they are.
If they still dont learn then it is time for a parent meeting. Tell the parents what is going on. They will most likely disapline there children. The children won't like that and hopefully they will learn!
If they dont then it is probably time for a class change!
2007-11-11 10:22:17 · answer #3 · answered by Arlene V 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to treat them the same because if they get disciplined enough then they are going to learn to behave. If you always let them off with a few extra warnings and such, they are thinking that they will get off whenever they do something bad. Yoiu have to treat kids that same, and that isnt fair to the ones who just mess up every now and then but still get recess took away, when you have daily violateors getting breaks.
2007-11-11 08:46:20 · answer #4 · answered by youalreadyknow 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most behavior plans ask for at least three requests before a consequence. You are doing this, but It is my guess that the parents are not. Talk to them and get on the same page. You will see results.
2007-11-11 09:24:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
in class you need to treat them just like you do every one else if they still are not behaving call the parents and set up a conference.
Jill S had a great idea - a notebook in a zip lock bag that goes back and forth everyday in his backpack. so parents know what is going on.
2007-11-11 13:39:01 · answer #6 · answered by favorite_aunt24 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get the book 1, 2, 3 magic, my daughter's teacher uses it. Apply your rules evenly. If they get written up daily, it's bound to sink in quickly. If they get away with more, they will learn that if they are bad they can get away with more. Not a message any teacher wants to give a kid.
2007-11-11 13:52:21 · answer #7 · answered by adkwolf 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋