The PBIS World Book

Send Student On Errand

Why should I do it:

  • Provides student time away from situation
  • Provides student exercise and a release of tension
  • Allows student to feel needed and important
  • Can help students to “reset” and return to a task fresh
  • Takes student’s mind off what may be hindering them
  • Helps break up monotonous tasks, assignments, activities, etc

When should I do it:

  • When a student gets off task
  • When you are aware of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis
  • When student seems fidgety, moves a lot, cannot sit still
  • When student is becoming frustrated or agitated with the task at hand
  • When two or more students are engaged in conflict, argument, or are just getting annoyed with one another
  • When a student seems to be getting bored, sleepy, or their eyes are glazing over
  • When a student’s emotions and/or behaviors need to be deescalated
  • When a student has poor self-esteem and poor self concept
  • When student is seeking adult approval

How do I do it:

  • When a student(s) displays any of the characteristics above or similar characteristics, send the student on an errand
  • Errands can just be random or part of a more formal classroom system whereby when a student is called on to run an errand, they choose from a list of errands that need to be done
  • Examples of errands include erasing the board, taking out the garbage, helping in the office or lunch room, writing on the board, cleaning, organizing, assisting, helping, taking a note to another teacher, walking somewhere to retrieve or drop something off, opening the windows, making or reading announcements, etc