tone of voice

I have been really trying this year to remember to keep a calm and soothing voice when the student is in the acting out stage and is needing to be restrained or is in the Make It Right Room. I try to remember that they cannot process all of what I am saying during this time but they do process how I am talking.

I find it especially hard because I want to be firm and in control but I also need to understand that this is not the time to "reason" with the child. It is the time to get them calm so that a discussion can be had later.

Limit Setting

The other day I was able to use the 5 steps to limit setting. I watched an aide with a young child; as he found it funny to continue to say 'no' to her commands. After about 5 minutes I looked at the aide and she said do you have any ideas?. I stepped in, got on the child's level and began the 5 steps to limit setting. Here are the steps I took...

1. Quintin* you should be sitting on the rug with the rest of the boys and girls.
2. Running around the room is not okay because the other boys and girls can't pay attention.
3. We would really enjoy you coming to the carpet to (do whatever we are doing)
Or you can take 5 in the thinking chair.
But we would really like you to join us and have some fun on the carpet.
4. Gave child about 40 seconds to think about the choices presented.
5. Did not have to enforce consequences. Child stomped to the carpet and flopped himself down.

The child was young (4) and pressing his limits. I was direct and reasonable with the child and it worked out wonderful. I gave the child space and time. SUCCESSFUL!!!