Consequences that work well have the following key features...

They are mild rather that severe. What I mean by this is, that consequences should not rely on physical punishment, yelling or threats to make them work. Be gentle by speaking quietly and thinking kindly. This will reduce the risk of your students being resentful towards you. 

Also make consequences short rather than long ones. It's easier for a teacher to stick to shorter consequences and easier for a student to achieve. Generally short means for a few hours or for the day. However this will depend on the problem behavior. 

The consequence needs to be something that you as the teacher can control. Also it must be immediate rather than distant. What I mean by this is, use the consequence as soon as the unacceptable behavior occurs. If you wait too long, you might forget to use it or even why your using it. Also the consequence would be ineffective because your student may not remember what the issue was and why their behavior needs to change. 

Accompanied by a reason with no debate...

When you give a consequence briefly explain why you are doing so. For example, if the consequence is for breaking a classroom rule, state the rule. And if you have an open and friendly relationship with your students, some might try to change your mind. Ignore all attempts by the child to change your mind about using the consequence. Don't debate whether it was fair. If you have clearly stated what the consequence will be and the reason for it, there is no need to say anything else. 

Use virtues language in your consequence statement...

When creating your consequence statement use a virtue for developing character in the child. For example if a child has broken a classroom rule by not being respectful, the consequence could be asking them to take time out in the courtesy chair, as courtesy is a virtue, and asking them to think about how they can be more courteous in the future - treating others with kindness and respect. 

What to remember...

1. Always STOP the behavior. 
2. EXPLAIN briefly how this behavior affected others or broke the rule. 
3. USE the consequence as soon as the unacceptable behavior occurs.
4.  Use the language of a VIRTUE for developing character in the child.

For those that are parents or teachers looking for inspiration and ideas, you might like to join my Facebook private group called Parents with Teens, Tweens and Anything In between.  
 
 

There are times when teachers need to control what their students do and say. Setting limits in the classroom is a strategy that teachers can use to influence their student's behavior.
Children especially teenagers who have limits set on their behavior and who experience consequences have the advantage of learning self-control and good judgement.

Setting Limits...
To set limits teachers need to be clear about what they expect and what is acceptable from their students. Setting limits work best when you have a good relationship with each student. What I mean by this is when you have a strong and positive relationship built on trust, it's more likely that your students will accept and understand your reasons for setting limits on their behavior. It's much harder to influence a child if you are constantly arguing, correcting and criticising them. 

A good way to set limits is to have a clear set of classroom rules. They make it easier for your students to behave in ways that meet your expectations. Excellent rules clearly state what behavior is expected. It also helps to write the rules down and display them where they can be a reminder to everyone in the classroom. 

You can use classroom rules for two things. Firstly they can outline your expectation as a teacher for specific behaviors. For example, if you want to teach your students how to show respect for others, the classroom rule would state that everyone is expected to speak and treat others with courtesy and to honor others by using manners and asking permission before touching other people's property.  

Ideas To Make Rules Work... 

1. Too many rules could be a sign you are trying to control too much of your student's daily life in the classroom.
2. Keep rules for those issues and situations where health and safety is concerned and also where the rights and feelings of others could be affected. 
3. Be supportive when a student tries to be responsible, mature and independent.
4. A good way to show fairness is by following the classroom rules yourself. Fairness is giving each person their share and making sure that everyone's needs are met. 

​Make Rules Clear...
Children are more likely to follow a rule if it is specific and easy to understand. When you are thinking about how to express a rule, ask yourself the question, "What do I want this student, or this class, to do differently/better in this situation?" Keep the words simple and the rule short. This will make it easier to remember. 

Changing Rules...
 As children show more responsibility, the classroom rules need to change. Take a rule off the written list when everyone follows it automatically. This doesn't mean the rule no longer applies, just that it know longer needs to be written down or displayed in the classroom. While the rules might change the need for rules never do. You see, rules are helpful to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities in the classroom - the willingness to be accountable for our choices and also for mistakes we make.