Breaks

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

• Helps students with poor attention and focus

• Gives students that needed sensory input

• Gives fidgety students and those who have trouble sitting still for periods an opportunity to get up and move

When should I do it:

• When a student has significant ADD/ADHD

• When a student needs the sensory input

• When a student is overwhelmed, anxious, or overly frustrated

• When a student is overly emotional, upset, etc

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

• 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 can take breaks appropriately

• If the students abuses the break card intervention, set limits on the frequency of use to deter this behavior