A Script for teaching students how to take a time out

Do you ever feel funny actually modeling classroom procedures and consequences. I know that I often feel awkward modeling procedures - in particular procedures for taking consequences. It feels funny to act like a student. I fear that some students are thinking, "I know all this. This is boring." I wonder if it will actually change the behavior of students.

So, I decided to go ahead and do it anyway. I had a great time acting like a misbehaving student. My class appeared to love it - wow they thought putting me in time out was the best thing ever. And then when I had to get a letter home to my parent - one student said, "Oh, she's serious about this!" I think that comment made my day! I really want them to get that I'm serious, I want us to spend our time learning and having fun, not reminding students about the rules and expectations. 

I realized, teaching and modeling how to take consequences doesn't have to be boring and serious (even though the topic might be serious.) The lesson isn't a consequence! It is nothing but a lesson - and if possible, lessons should be fun and memorable.

So, here is part of the lesson I taught. It is the script that I actually printed out and handed to a student volunteer. Feel free to modify or use in any way you might want. Thank you Smart Classroom Management for giving me the idea of creating this script.

Italics are what I (as the student)do. Bold is what you (as the teacher) do & purple is what you say.
I start talking to someone. Walk up to me and mime - raise eyebrows slightly, tilt your head and hold up the number 2.  Then turn around and walk away from me immediately.  
A warning might also look like this. I start talking again to person.

Walk up to me and say, “This is a warning.” Walk away from me.

I wander around the class. Go up to you and ask to go to ask people for a pencil.

“You broke rule 2. You need to move over here to work.” Walk to the spot where you want me to sit and point to it.

Then walk away and pretend to look over the work of 3 other students who are sitting in the room. Say something like, “nice work. Good job. Do you need help” to three different students.

I’ll talk about how long I’ve been at the spot and then look at you when I’m ready.

Say - “You are welcome to return to your spot when you are ready. Raise your hand to let me know” Walk away.

I will start talking to another person.

“I need you to go back over there.” I’ll excuse you personally at the end of class.”
“Class - you are excused. Please pretend to walk away. Say ‘ have a nice weekend to lots of different students.
Then walk up to the me(the student). Hand (the student)me the letter. “I’ll need you to return this to me signed on Monday. I’ll email or call your parents so they know to expect the letter. I’ll come to your first period class to pick it up on Monday.”
I place the envelope in my backpack.

Have a nice weekend. I’m sure next week will be better.  

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