Take a Break

Why should I do it:

• To provide students with a cool down time
• To allow students time away from a stressful or potentially stressful situation
• It can help avoid a power struggle between you and the student

When should I do it:

• When a student gets off task and is beginning to be disruptive but not problematic
• When student is beginning to be argumentative or confrontational
• When a student is refusing to follow a directive

How do I do it:

• Make a laminated card with the word “BREAK” on it
• Provide student with hand held timer setting the timer for no longer than five minutes
• Identify a safe and non-disruptive area to go (by or in office works)
• Student returns when timer goes off
• Thank the student for leaving and returning so cooperatively. Give encouragement to student upon return
• Explain the process to the student and have them practice it before implementation
• Either the student or teacher may initiate a break, though it is best when the students can identify the need for and take breaks appropriately
• If the students abuses the break card intervention, set limits on the frequency of use to deter this

Alternative Methods:

• Breaks may be less formal and simply involve getting a snack
• Breaks may be as simple as a student moving to another spot in the classroom
• Breaks may include sending a student on an errand, taking a note or paper to another teacher or the office, or some other task that gets the student up and out for a short break