When a Reward System Breaks Down
Date: September 20th, 2023
When it comes to a reward system, don’t over-reward and don’t have a kid on one if they’re able to manipulate the system.
Ask Polly Bath: Off Topic Questions During Class?
Date: September 17th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “In the middle of class one of my 4th graders will raise his hand and ask a totally unrelated, off topic, distracting, and sometimes alarming question. How should I respond to this?”
Safety Issues at Recess?
Date: September 13th, 2023
When a kid won’t come in after recess, or they run off the playground, this is a safety issue.
Ask Polly Bath: Out of Control Behavior?
Date: September 10th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “When a kid gets so upset that they smash a window, are they aware of how out of control they are? And what’s a logical consequence?”
Youngsters and Saying Excuse Me
Date: September 6th, 2023
Teaching a youngster to say “excuse me” isn’t enough. We also need to teach them when to use it, where to use it, and how to use it.
Ask Polly Bath: Cell Phones and Power Struggles?
Date: September 3rd, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I have a high school kid who will not turn over her cell phone when I ask for it! It’s my policy and all the kids know it. I know her life is not that positive, and there isn’t a lot of room for learning in her brain right now, but I feel like I need to hold her accountable. It’s always a huge power struggle that results in administrative referral. How can I chip away at her refusal without it costing me our relationship?”
Kids Not Using Their Social Skills?
Date: August 30th, 2023
Every time we see a kid NOT use a social skill that will impact their success, we have to tell them!
Ask Polly Bath: Behavior and Learning Disabilities?
Date: August 27th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “Can you talk about how to move away from diagnoses we’ve been using to explain learning and behavior challenges, like ADHD or Autism, and more towards accepting and working with neurodiversity?”
The Benefit of Hall Duty!!!
Date: August 23rd, 2023
Ask Polly Bath: “Adult” Behaviors from Younger Kids?
Date: August 20th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “This year I’m seeing an alarming amount of ‘hands on’ and “adult” behavior with my 5th graders. Yikes! Any thoughts about addressing this?”
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