Taking a Break

Yesterday we practiced and discussed all the steps in taking a break in our classroom.  Taking a break begins as a non-punitive way for students to find their quiet place and reset their minds and bodies after not following class agreements.  We will build our permanent set of class rules/agreements in the coming days, but right now our theme is to show cooperation!

The more that agreements are not followed in the classroom, the more take-a-break intensifies and becomes a consequence for repeated behaviors.

When an agreement is broken, these are the steps students will follow to reset their actions.

1. Take a timed break in our classroom and rejoin events!
2. Take a timed break in our classroom and rejoin events!
3. Take a break in our Fix-It-Space and complete a Fix-It Plan stating what has been going on and what is a plan to fix the behavior.  Rejoin events when the plan is done.  The student's plan will come home that evening and needs to be signed by a guardian.
4. Take a break in a Fix-It-Room.  This room is down the hall with a collaborating teacher.  Students will continue to reflect on how their behavior will be fixed.  I will make a phone call home or write an email that evening in order to explain what's been going on and make a plan in order to have a successful day tomorrow.
5. Take a break with Ms. Griebel or Mr. Dunigan.  One or the other will be calling home as well. 

Please let me know if you have any questions about this procedure.  You can  definitely ask your child as well, but I am happy to help with anything.