Natural Consequences
Natural Consequences
Embedded Files
Using natural consequences...
Creates a connection to cause & effect
Allows authentic learning from actions from natural as when given from someone else
Creates an understanding of the impact of their decisions on the world around them
Implementation
Implementation
Overview
Natural consequences occur after an action has been completed. This could be either negative or positive.
A natural consequence is an authentic learning opportunity for a student without a teacher providing the consequence.
This means that if a student refuses to wear a coat to recess in 40 Degree weather then they will naturally be cold.
They occur without any enforcement. Often allowing the natural consequence to occur will prevent a power struggle and the student will learn a lesson.
They occur inevitably
The teacher may offer or suggest another option (Reference the opportunity to come back inside for recess if it is too cold)
EXAMPLES
Student argues about wearing gloves in winter to play outside; provided frostbite is not an issue “the gloves will be here if you change your mind.”
Student argues there is no homework tonight; the next day they will have to face the teacher and peers. (Parent Facing)
Student spends lunch money on school store; they will be hungry.
Student cheats in playing with friends; friends will start to stay away.
Student is bossy with friends; friends will start to stay away.
Student wants to put too much stuff in the backpack; they have to carry it.
Student refuses raincoat or umbrella when raining; they will get wet.
Core Components
May not be imposed by another individual
Processing occurs after a natural consequence occurs
Reframe from a "I told you so" mentality
Proactive Implementation
Proactively defining natural consequences and allowing time for students to process what these consequences consist of allows for understanding. Students can learn to identify and predict the possible consequences of an action.
Responsive Implementation
Responsively using natural consequences requires follow up. After an action and consequence has occurred the supervising adult can conference with the student to allow reflection. There doesn't need to be additional consequences for the action.
Bucket Fits
Bucket Fits
Connection
If the need is connection then the natural consequence may allow for conferencing with a peer about the experience.
Skills Training
If the need is skill building then the conference after the natural consequence occurs may include identifying a skill to target that led to the natural conseqence occurring.
Awareness
If the need is awareness then a reflection tool (written, drawn, conversations) should be used to allow the student to see the correlation of their actions and the consequence that occurred.
Emotional Regulation
If the need is regulation then the student may need time or space prior to conferencing with someone about the natural consequence if they are disregulated.
Considerations & Adaptations
Considerations & Adaptations
Consider Factors Prior to Start
Intensifying or Fading During
Student factors-
Gender, race, function, topography, family dynamics, interpersonal relationships
Contextual factors -
Resource availability, classroom instruction, physical space, time, technology
Duration
Frequency
Feedback
Reinforcement
Goals
REMINDER
Make a note to document when you're starting this intervention.
After 10 consecutive school days of implementation, use collected data to determine the intervention's effectiveness.
Resource
Resource
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