To allow students time away from a stressful or potentially stressful situation
It can help avoid a power struggle between you and the student
Helps students with poor attention and focus
Gives kids that need sensory input
Gives fidgety kids and those who have trouble sitting still for periods an opportunity to get up and move
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 a student is excessively fidgety or moving around a lot in their seats
When a student has significant ADD/ADHD
When a student needs the sensory input
When a student seems to have lost focus and attention
When a student needs help redirecting or refocusing
When a student seems sleepy, bored, tired, etc
When a student seems overwhelmed, anxious, or overly frustrated
When a student is having trouble following along, following directives/directions, etc
When a student seems to need a break from the current activity or student they are working with
When a student seems to be over-emotional, upset, etc
How do I do it:
Make a laminated card with the word “BREAK” on it
Provide student with hand held timer setting the timer for no longer than five minutes
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 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
