Structured Breaks / Break Cards

Description of the Intervention

TIER II, TIER III & SPECIAL EDUCATION INTERVENTION

A break is used for students to calm down and relax in order to regain focus and concentration in academic and social settings. Breaks can be simply turning work over for 1-2 minutes or running an errand for the teacher. Breaks should not exceed 5 minutes. By teaching students to request a break and when to request a break may reduce the frequency of off-task and disruptive behavior. This intervention works with students who are taking breaks on their own by teaching an appropriate way to ask for a break. 

Implementation Procedures

1. Laminate a card that says or depicts “break”.

2. Teach the student that when he or she feels like a break is needed, to present the card to an adult/teacher.

3. The adult/teacher will grant the break request.

4. A timer will be set for the student (3-5 minutes).

5. Once the timer goes off, the student will return to working.

6. The adult/teacher should praise the student for requesting a break and returning to working after the timer has gone off.

7. Breaks can be denied as the student learns how the process works and the meaning behind the break request.

8. If student does not return promptly after the timer has gone off, the process should be retaught to the student before the student requests a break the next time. 

Progress Monitoring Tools

Behavior Intervention Tracking Log

Other Useful References

Website: Alternative to Using Break Cards 

Website: Breaks