The PBIS World Book

Touch/Contact Student On Shoulder

Why should I do it:

  • Provides quick and easy way to redirect off task students, misbehaviors, talking, etc
  • Does not disrupt the instruction
  • Increases student attention and focus
  • Effective non-verbal cue
  • Can help break and reset a student’s cycle of thinking or dysfunctional coping/processing

When should I do it:

  • When a student is off task, talking, misbehaving, goofing around, staring, sleeping, inattentive, etc
  • When a student seems overwhelmed, lost, confused, etc

How do I do it:

  • When a student is off task, inattentive, misbehaving, goofing around, etc, walk by the student and tap them on the should, arm, or hand to get their attention
  • You do not need to stop instruction or the task at hand, just tap the student while you are instructing or other students are participating, perhaps giving the student a “look” when you get their attention after the tap
  • You could also tap the students desk to get their attention
  • If a student seems to need assistance, tap them and then ask if they are okay, need help on an item, or need to get a drink, etc