Reminder to Take Breaks

This month, my class really focused in on showing self-control.  We had a lot of opportunities to talk about it before going on field trips, having substitute teachers, and going to activities in other classrooms.  Those conversations all took place before the events as a way to set the expectations for behavior, and students were almost always able to meet those expectations.

There was one conversation this month, though, that had to come after my students showed a lack of self-control.  They were very chatty and disrespectful during a lesson at the end of the day, so we stopped early to discuss what the issues were.  I wanted their input to come up with ideas to avoid these behaviors at the end of the day.  One little girl was very insightful.  She commented that they had just spent a long time focusing on reading and then had to focus right away on new information.  She said she just couldn't focus anymore.

At that point, I realized that I hadn't given them a break that afternoon.  They weren't showing self-control, but I wasn't being realistic about what they could do at the end of a long day.  I told them that I would do my best to give them a movement break between reading and science, but that they were welcome to ask for one if they needed it.  For the majority of my students, this has really solved the problem.

We all know the importance of giving kids breaks throughout the day, but I have a habit of forgetting that fact once the school year gets into full swing.  I feel so pressured to get things done that I overlook the needs of my students and end up dealing with a lot of behavior problems.  This was a wake-up call from my kids and I appreciated the reminder.