Bump 3
Choices
Classroom Management
Choices
• One of the most effective and commonly
used classroom management technique used
to help students accept responsibility is
through the use of choices.
Procedure
1. Stop teaching, pause and turn to the student
2. Provide the student with a choice and allow
them to make the choice
3. Wait for an answer.
4. Finish with a “Thank you.”
Essential Attributes of Effective Choices
1. The choice is related to the misbehaviour.
2. The choice is not seen as a punishment.
3. The consequence is given as immediately
as possible.
4. The choice is not an ultimatum.
5. The choice is done in a positive or neutral
tone. Avoid sarcasm.
6. You can follow through on the choice. Say
what you mean and mean what you say.
• Remember that the concept of an effective
choice is relative to one’s point of view.
• Once the student has made a choice, the
teacher’s role is to make sure that the choice
becomes a reality. Be aware of student
manipulation (tears, getting mad…)
Time Out Options
• Check the school’s policy about sending
students out in the hall for a time out.
• Sending the student to the office may or
may not be effective depending on the
number of times the student is sent there
and the reason for sending him/her…
Remember that classroom discipline is the
teacher’s responsibility not the principal’s.
• Many school have students complete a
problem solving sheet during time out,
asking the students to reflect on their
behaviour.
There are some examples in your text on
page 241-243
• Time out rooms may be available. Be sure
to communicate with the parents the reason
for using a time out room.
• Working in another teacher’s classroom is
used by some teachers
• Sending the student to a designated area
may work for some students who need a
time out.
Communication with parents is key. They
need to understand the rationale for using
timeout.
Bump 4
The Implied Choice
• When students make a choice but do not
follow through with their choice, the
alternate option is now imposed.
• The choice given to one student applies to
all students.
Remember say what you mean and mean
what you say. Giving students chances
gives them the wrong message.