To allow students time away from a stressful or potentially stressful situation
It can help avoid a power struggle between you and the student
Can help students to “reset” and return to a task fresh
Takes student’s mind off what may be hindering them
Helps break up monotonous tasks, assignments, activities, etc
Provides a class system for teachers to address students indirectly without having to stop instruction to speak with a student at that moment
When should I do it:
When a student gets off task and is beginning to be disruptive but not problematic
When student is beginning to be argumentative or confrontational
When a student is refusing to follow a directive
When you are aware of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis
When student seems fidgety, moves a lot, cannot sit still
When student is becoming frustrated or agitated with the task at hand
When two or more students are engaged in conflict, argument, or are just getting annoyed with one another
When a student seems to be getting bored, sleepy, or their eyes are glazing over
When a student’s emotions and/or behaviors need to be deescalated
How do I do it:
Make a laminated card with the word “BREAK” on it and keep it in a spot where all students can access it
Provide student with hand held timer setting the timer for no longer than five minutes (or keep timer in the break location)
Identify a safe and non-disruptive area to go (by or in office works)
Student returns when timer goes off
Thank the student for leaving and returning so cooperatively. Give encouragement to student upon return.
Explain the process to the student(s) or class and have them practice it before implementation
Either the student or teacher may initiate a break, though it is best when the students can identify the need for and take breaks appropriately
If the students abuses the break card intervention, set limits on the frequency of use to deter this
Alternative Methods:
Breaks may be less formal and simply involve getting a snack
Breaks may be as simple as a student moving to another spot in the classroom
Breaks may include sending a student on an errand, taking a note or paper to another teacher or the office, or some other task that gets the student up and out for a short break
