Behavior? Stop and Think!
Date: October 4th, 2023
When dealing with behaviors, don’t respond right away. Instead stop, think, and process the situation.
Ask Polly Bath: Call the Office for Behavior?
Date: October 1st, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I was lining up my middle school kids and one kid kept ignoring my directions and stepping out of line. I told him to go to the office, which he refused to do, but he did get back in line. I called the office and an administrator came down but didn’t do anything because the kid wasn’t refusing at that moment. I felt unsupported. Could I have handled it differently?”
Can Kids Solve Their Problems?
Date: September 27th, 2023
Ask Polly Bath: Other Kids Interrupting One-on-One Time?
Date: September 23rd, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I often have to work with kids one-on-one at my table. But every time I do that, a line forms and we’re constantly interrupted! How do I stop this behavior?”
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?”
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