Using consequences with children

Having some rules may solve problems that come up in your classroom. However, you will also need to have consequences for when rules are broken. Visit my last Blog post to read about using rules in the classroom. 

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.