Student is out of his chair and then as the conversation progresses is asked by a second teacher in the room to get in line. The teacher on film sees that he is not tuning into the classroom. She needs to know if he can make a shift to engage in the class. She wants the power for this shift to come from within the student. The student responds by moving the chair, getting in line on his own.
Strategies summary
-Creates a context of caring through tone and questions
-Sets up choice to be OK by asking student to do a self-assessment (Are you going to be OK?)
-Guides student to make changes by giving choice of where the control will originate (self or teacher)
-Touch and physical proximity
Student behavior
Off task, not responding to teacher, lethargic
Questions to consider
1. What was the teacher trying to accomplish? What behaviors indicate success or need for further strategies?
2. What could be happening with this child?
3. What do you need/want to know and watch for?
4. What might the teacher do in follow-up?
5. What alternative strategies do you propose?
6. What, if any, cues exist that indicate your contact with home or student services staff?
Classroom background
1st Grade, Regular Education Classroom, 32 students, 2 teachers, 90% Free or Reduced Lunch (see above link for more information)
Thank-you to:
The students and teachers of this classroom at Mitchell Street School of Milwaukee Public Schools
