I have a particular student that engages in a number of disruptive behaviors including off-task talking,getting out of seat, making noises, playing with objects, and climbing. He basically exhibits all of the disruptive behaviors discussed in the first part of the article. His behvaior is positively reinforced when his classmates laugh and giggle at his behavior. We have had class discussions about this, but it has not completely solved the problem.
He has also displayed direct defiance. During a science lesson where the students were recording definitions in their glossary he decided he didn’t want to complete the assignment and threw his paper and pencil across the table, interrupting my lesson, and then proceeded to get up and walk back to the water fountain, taking the long way back to his seat.
This student was also recently suspended, and it seemed he had some trouble settling back in to the normal routine. Maybe suspension is not the right punishment for this student. Also, my CTs have been tutoring students throughout the day and also taking a few students in for some “in school suspension” sessions which seems to have worked a little bit. This allows the one on one time they seem to be seeking, but also helps them settle down and get work done. It doesn’t help that the student was on medication and is now suddenly off of it. Not only have we noticed a change in his behavior, but he has used it as an excuse several times as well, saying that he wants to be back on it.
