A student struggles to stay in line during lunch. What is an effective strategy for the teacher to use?

A student struggles to stay in line during lunch. What is an effective strategy for the teacher to use?

• A. Give verbal warnings until the behavior stops
• B. Employ a timeout until the student complies
• C. Design a behavior contract with the student that outlines consequences for disruptive behavior
• D. Change the line formation to prevent disruptions

Answer: (C)

Designing a behavior contract with the student is an effective strategy because it actively involves the student in their behavior management process. A behavior contract clearly outlines expected behaviors, consequences for disruptions, and potential rewards for positive behavior. This collaborative approach not only encourages accountability but also empowers the student to take ownership of their actions, thereby fostering a better environment for learning and interaction. In contrast to simply giving verbal warnings, which may not provide the student with a clear understanding of the expectations or consequences, a behavior contract offers a structured framework. Similarly, employing a timeout may seem like a quick fix, but it does not address the underlying behaviors or encourage the student to reflect on and improve their actions. Changing the line formation can be a temporary solution but does not involve the student in the process, potentially leading to the same issue in different circumstances without teaching the student self-regulation and awareness.

Designing a behavior contract with the student is an effective strategy because it actively involves the student in their behavior management process. A behavior contract clearly outlines expected behaviors, consequences for disruptions, and potential rewards for positive behavior. This collaborative approach not only encourages accountability but also empowers the student to take ownership of their actions, thereby fostering a better environment for learning and interaction.

In contrast to simply giving verbal warnings, which may not provide the student with a clear understanding of the expectations or consequences, a behavior contract offers a structured framework. Similarly, employing a timeout may seem like a quick fix, but it does not address the underlying behaviors or encourage the student to reflect on and improve their actions. Changing the line formation can be a temporary solution but does not involve the student in the process, potentially leading to the same issue in different circumstances without teaching the student self-regulation and awareness.