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Well, the first week back after the Christmas holidays is over.  I think we’re almost back in the groove now. That’s definitely a good thing.

Final exams start in about a week, and the students are getting a bit stressed trying to get their last assignments done before  exams start.  A few of my students who have ADD/ADHD like symptoms had great difficulty retaining their  focus,  and I heard myself saying the following more than usual.

This isn’t a punishment, but I’ve been noticing  that you’re having difficulty focusing on the task at hand.  Since I want you to do the best you can in my class,  I want you to move away from the group and work here for a while where you’ll be less distracted and be more able to your best.

It was weird. None of the students complained about having to move.  They just got up and moved.  I wonder how long that co-operation is going to last?

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Comments

4 Responses to “This is not a punishment.”

1. dkzody on January 10th, 2009 2:11 pm

   I too have asked students to move so as to help them concentrate or do a better job. In most cases, they are willing to do so because the teacher has given them permission to leave their distracting friends behind. Sometimes, the student will continue to separate himself even when I’ve not asked them to move.

2. Elona Hartjes on January 10th, 2009 3:43 pm

   I guess it all in how the teacher asks.

3. dkzody on January 10th, 2009 4:14 pm

   Think about this–how would YOU like to be told to move? In a pleasant suggestion or a loud demand? I try to treat my classroom and students as I would like to be treated.

4. Mike Temple on January 17th, 2009 9:47 am

   I like the use of language of choice where the student feels the decision to move is theirs and is for good reason. That way, they tend to comply with little fuss or resistance. It’s all about good relationships.
   Great site Elona – your readers might like to join in the conversation around supportive behaviour management at http://behaviourmanagement.ning.com/

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  These are my personal views and not those of my employer.