How Can I Create a Behavior Plan for In-Class Consequences?

Expanding the range of classroom behavior interventions can help a teacher to respond appropriately in every situation. The teacher who has developed a behavior plan with a repertoire of in-class consequences for minor* misbehaviors can prevent students from being sent to the principal’s office or to in-school detention.

First, list those common misbehaviors that should typically be handled in the classroom (e.g. being late to class, talking out).

When finished, categorize the list of misbehaviors into three groups:

Level 1 (mild) misbehaviors,
Level 2 (medium) misbehaviors, and
Level 3 (more serious) misbehaviors.

Next to each level of problem behaviors, list a range of in-class consequences that appropriately match the type of misbehavior. For example, you may decide that a ‘soft’ reprimand would be a choice to address Level 1 (mild) misbehaviors, while a phone call to the parent would be a choice for Level 3 (more serious) misbehaviors.

*NOTE: In-class consequences are intended for minor misbehaviors. Whenever students display behaviors that seriously disrupt learning or pose a risk to the safety of that student or to others, notify an administrator.

Such a behavior plan can help teachers know how to respond in all situations, and also helps the students understand the that there are consequences for their misbehavior.

Discuss here: What are some in-class consequences that you have found effective for behavior management?

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