In the event a behavior is so egregious that you need to reprimand the child, do it privately. Begin by apologizing to the twenty two others whose lesson was just interrupted and ask the child to step outside the classroom. The other students will remain quiet while you are in the hall because they want to hear justice being served, even if it is none of their business. Speak firmly, but professionally and never lose eye contact. Speak to the child as if the parent was standing right there. Sometimes the child needs some time to cool off and regain composure and sometimes you do. Go ahead and get a plan of what you will do before you need it.  Many teachers work out with another teacher on the same grade level or across the hall to take each other’s children for a few minutes to cool off when the need arises. Usually time will help diffuse the situation but when the child returns to your classroom, be sure to articulate that you have both cooled off and he can anticipate a new chance to improve his behavior. 

Just as you reprimand in private, be sure to praise in public. Do it to other teachers, adults or even the children in your class.  Everyone likes for someone to notice when she is doing the right thing.

Public reprimand of a child is very seldom appropriate. I almost always use a Brain Gym® sitting/standing position  called “Hook Ups,” before talking to a student about an inappropriate behavior. My students are all familiar with this technique and know that we will not begin to talk about the situation until we have both had some water (to hydrate after the dehydration that the stressful situation has caused) and have sat in “Hook Ups” for a few minutes. De-escalation is so much more effective than trying to combat an unacceptable behavior. If you are unfamiliar with this valuable technique, please ask a coworker who has taken a workshop from me, or call me, and I will help you.

“Hook Ups” provides the student (and teacher!) the opportunity to relax and integrate themselves in a way that they are better able to express their frustration, needs and/or concerns. I have  many amazing  stories to share about the profound impact using “Hook Ups” has made in the lives of learners of all ages.

Pamela Webster, M. Ed., SPED