Classroom Management 14 FIN

Main ideas and concepts

• Classroom rules should have consequences (citing Harry Wong’s 2009 book).
• Consequences come in two types:
  • Positive consequences: outcomes when students obey the rules.
  • Negative consequences: outcomes when students break the rules (often misunderstood as “punishment”).

Detailed breakdown of consequences (including examples)

1) Positive consequences (results of following rules)

• Often understood as rewards/prizes, but rewards can take many forms—not only objects.
• Examples mentioned:
  • Tests or assessment opportunities
  • High fives (the subtitle repeats “high fives,” but intent is clear)
  • Additional break time
  • Stickers
  • Points added to a behavior chart
  • Class parties or end-of-year classroom celebrations
  • Additional opportunities to become class president
  • Other non-material recognition that still motivates students

2) Negative consequences (results of breaking rules)

• The subtitle emphasizes that “penalty” doesn’t have to mean severe punishment with a negative connotation.
• Instead, it can be framed as revoking a right the student would otherwise have.
• Examples mentioned:
  • Behavior chart points are not increased (or may be reduced)
  • Playground/play opportunities during break time are reduced
  • Similar loss of privileges tied to the broken rule

How to deliver negative consequences while keeping learning going (method/instruction)

When imposing negative consequences, the video suggests ways to maintain instruction and reduce disruption:

• Use a warning during instruction:
  • Continue teaching.
  • Write the student’s name on the board who violated the rule.
• Hold a friendly follow-up after class:
  • At the end of the lesson, call the students listed for a “friendly chat” about the consequence they need to bear.
• Alternative if name-on-board causes embarrassment:
  • Instead of writing names on the board, place a ticket on the student’s desk while continuing the lesson.
  • After the lesson, students with tickets should approach the teacher.

Key lesson emphasized

• The teacher should repeatedly teach consequences, arguing this is even more important than teaching the rules alone.
• Students must understand that consequences are:
  • Not just punishment, but the result of their actions
  • Positive outcomes that lead to receiving rewards/rights
  • Negative outcomes that lead to loss/revocation of rights
• This connects to rights and responsibilities students need to understand.

Speakers / sources featured

• Harry Wong (author of a 2009 book referenced in the subtitles)