Take Away Unstructured/Free Time

STOP! Controversial Intervention! Please read before implementing:

Why should I do it:

Children can respond well to losing unstructured or free time
Can help motivate children to follow expectations
It is a clear-cut experiential based intervention, hands on so to speak
Helps children see a logical connection between their behaviors and consequences
Allows children the opportunity to make choices about what will happen
Gives children power over outcomes
Forces children to take responsibility for their choices and actions

When should I do it:

Depending on the parent, you may consider sending a note home explaining that part of your behavior intervention system includes taking away unstructured or free time, etc.
Taking away unstructured or free time is a very flexible intervention and can be used as a part of your regular discipline system, like with card flips, or in addition to your discipline system and class rules
When a student exhibits behavior problems, does not follow directives, is disruptive, does not finish work on time, etc.
When students forget assignments and materials
When students bully or pick on others
When students talk back or are disrespectful
When a student cheats or lies
Etc.

How do I do it:

Use a calm and neutral tone in a matter-of-fact way
Give the student choices, for example:
- Billy, you can either stop turning around and talking and complete your work, or you can sit in time out during recess, the choice is yours
Clearly state the unstructured or free time period to be taken away, when it will occur, and for what duration
Discuss briefly with the student what they will need to do differently next time to keep their unstructured or free time
Use this technique as a part of a systematic consequence system whereby all students understand the consequence, how and why they receive it, and how it is carried out