Time Out (Structured Time Out)
Time Out (Structured Time Out)
Why should I do it:
- Quick and easy way to deal with behavior problems and disruptions
- Time outs are an effective method to address behaviors
- Increases instructional time and decreases time spent dealing with student behaviors
- Increases structure for student
- Provides student with a consistent and predictable consequence that is structured and always the same procedure
- Easy to set up and implement
- Can be carried over in the home
When should I do it:
- When a student exhibits frequent behavior problems and disruptions
- When a student does not respond to other consequences
- When a consequence needs to be consistent between the school and home
- When card flips alone do not seem adequate to address the student’s behaviors
- When a student has a hard time calming down or settling in a timely manner
- When a student likes the negative attention they receive from card flips or other disciplinary measures that occur in front of the class
How do I do it:
- In-Class Time Out:
- Choose a specific spot in the classroom and always use that same spot
- Put a chair or desk in the spot
- Provide some kind of timer or way to measure the time in time out
- Have the student practice taking a time out before implementing the strategy
- Provide rules for taking a time out, like no talking, bothering others, standing, making noises, what happens if they cannot appropriately complete a time out, etc
- Explain to the student what they will receive a time out for
- You may have students complete a think sheet while in time out, require them to sit quietly, put their head down, etc
- Consider using a testing corral to minimize distractions and disruptions
- Keep a log of timeouts for data tracking and analysis
- Out Of Class Time Out:
- Choose a specific spot outside of the classroom and always use that same spot, for example, a seat in the office or near the classroom doorway
- Put a chair or desk in the spot
- Provide some kind of timer or way to measure the time in time out
- Have the student practice taking a time out before implementing the strategy
- Provide rules for taking a time out, like no talking, bothering others, standing, making noises, what happens if they cannot appropriately complete a time out, etc
- Explain to the student what they will receive a time out for
- You may have students complete a think sheet while in time out, require them to sit quietly, put their head down, etc
- Consider using a testing corral to minimize distractions and disruptions
- Keep a log of timeouts for data tracking and analysis
- In-class and out of class time outs may be utilized as a progressive discipline system, where the student first receives an in-class time out for a brief period, then on the next offense, they receive a longer out of class time out
Resources & Support for technique:
(Items with footnotes link to external websites)
Footnotes:
- Wayne RESA Guidelines for Behavior Assessment, Wayne RESA Time Out Log – APPENDIX: FORMS. (2008)., pg. 19. Time Out Log. [http://www.resa.net/downloads/positive_behavior/time_out.doc].
- Michigan Department of Education, School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports., (2010). Sample Classroom/Teacher Interventions. [http://www.resa.net/downloads/positive_behavior/pbs_implementation_guide_20100708_151206_38.pdf].
- Zolten, K., Long, N. (1997)., Center for Effective Parenting. TIME-OUT AS A DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUE. [http://www.parenting-ed.org/handouts/timeout.pdf].
- Jelley, K. L., Moore, S. M., Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity., (2007). Time Out and Other Discipline Tools That Work. [http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/Time_Out_Discipline_Tools.pdf].
- Nelsen, J. Positive Time Out: An excerpt from the book Positive Time Out by Jane Nelsen. [http://www.positivediscipline.com/articles_teacher/PositiveTimeOut.html].
- Written or compiled by Wilson, J. Using Timeouts to Discipline Your Child without Destroying Self-Esteem. [http://www.cyberparent.com/timeout/].
- PoPs Ministries. Time Out in the School Setting (Antecedent Interventions): Classroom Interventions for Children with Attention Deficit Disorder. [http://popsmin.tripod.com/timeout.html].
