Speak with Student in the Hallway

Why should I do it:

It is a quick method to de-escalate a student

It keeps you in a calm state of mind

Prevents students from gaining attention from the class

Prevents power struggles

Reduces embarrassment to the student

Prevents the student from causing a scene

Prevents students from challenging teachers in front of the class

Allows students to “save face”

Gains focus and attention of the student

Increases or improves the teacher/student interpersonal relationship

When should I do it:

When you are processing a problem with a student

When student is reluctant to follow your directives

When student is trying to verbally engage you in an argument

When a student is disruptive or misbehaving

When a student is off task

When a student seems upset

When a student is overly sensitive

When you foresee a student overreacting

With students that like to make a scene in front of the class

When a student is seeking attention from classmates

After you have asked or addressed a student several times and they have not responded or persist

How do I do it:

In a calm, neutral, non-threatening manner, ask to speak with the student in the hall

Stand away from the door out of the line of sight of the class

Give the student choices if they will not go into the hall, for example, “Johnny, please step into the hall with me or go to the office”

Use a quiet voice in the hall to avoid disruptions to others and to keep the interaction with the student calm

This technique takes a lot of patience, support, self-control and self-talk

Be aware of your own physiological cues to getting angry, annoyed, offended, disrespected and frustrated

When you have those feelings/thoughts, say to yourself talk yourself out of losing your temper

Use “I” statements, ie: “I would like for you to make a choice between doing your work at your desk or at another desk” Rather than “you need to make a choice now about where you are going to do your work”

If possible, remove yourself from a tense situation before talking to the student to calm down

Always provide consequences to students in the most non-emotional state possible.

In addition, you may speak with a student in the hallway to let them know they are doing a great job with something, like putting up with or working with a certain student, etc