Take a break

Why should I do it:

To provide students with a cool down time
To allow students time away from a stressful or potentially stressful situation
It can help avoid a power struggle between you and the student
 

When should I do it:

When a student gets off task and is beginning to be disruptive but not problematic
When student is beginning to be argumentative or confrontational
When a student is refusing to follow a directive
 

How do I do it:

Make a laminated card with the word “BREAK” on it
Provide student with hand held timer setting the timer for no longer than five minutes
Identify a safe and non-disruptive area to go (by or in office works)
Student returns when timer goes off
Thank the student for leaving and returning so cooperatively. Give encouragement to student upon return
Explain the process to the student and have them practice it before implementation
Either the student or teacher may initiate a break, though it is best when the students can identify the need for and take breaks appropriately
If the students abuses the break card intervention, set limits on the frequency of use to deter this
 

Alternative Methods:

Breaks may be less formal and simply involve getting a snack
Breaks may be as simple as a student moving to another spot in the classroom
Breaks may include sending a student on an errand, taking a note or paper to another teacher or the office, or some other task that gets the student up and out for a short break