Why should I do it:
- Provides powerful instances to teach alternative behaviors and expectations
- Leaves the student with a feeling of control
- Uses thinking words
- Provides choices within firm limits
- Are tied to the time and place of the infraction
- Are similar to what would happen to an adult in a comparable situation
- Are never used to get revenge
- Teaches students to take responsibility for their choices
- It teaches that when an action occurs, a consequence follows
- It takes the pressure off you doing all the work
When should I do it:
- There are numerous reasons and times you may use logical consequences, for example:
- When a child is disruptive during teaching time
- When a student doesn’t finish work
- When a student picks on another student
- When a student cuts in line
- When a student talks out of turn
- When student breaks any sort of rule
- Etc…
How do I do it:
- First, be calm and be empathetic to student (without being condescending): “This is sad for you…
- Second, state the crime: “Due to you not doing your work while we were doing it together…
- Third, provide consequence “You will be finishing it during recess” (consequence should be reasonable, matching the severity of the offense or behavior)
- Walk away. Don’t engage in a conversation about it.
- DO NOT GIVE WARNINGS. Provide a consequence upon first negative behavior
- Other behaviors and consequences:
- Name calling = say something nice to that person
- Spills something = cleans it up themselves
- Disruptive during lunch = eats lunch by self
- Steals something = replace it directly to the person with apology
- Cheat on test = get failing grade
Resources & Support for technique: