Steve Vitto Alternative to Punishment
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This document discusses alternatives to punishment for addressing problematic behaviors in children. It proposes focusing on teaching replacement skills and restoring relationships rather than simply reducing unwanted behaviors. Specific consequences are suggested that minimize reinforcement of the problem behavior while establishing conditions for learning new skills. These include having children take ownership, process events, problem-solve, and make amends. The document then provides examples of addressing specific behaviors like aggression, noncompliance, and bullying using consequences that teach replacement behaviors and restore relationships.
Steve Vitto Alternative to Punishment
- 1. ALTERNATIVE TO PUNISHMENT TEACHING REPLACEMENT SKILLS ______________________________ Consequences should ultimately minimize the efficiency of a target behavior while establishing conditions for learning replacement skills. Consequences may fall into the following categories: Ownership (i.e., to successfully process, the child needs to assume some ownership) Processing the event (i.e., what happened, how could it have avoided, etc.) Problem solving (i.e., finding a solution, choosing a better way, resolving conflict with a peer or staff) Restoration (i.e., making things right with the victim, the community, and the environment) Letting go and moving forward (i.e., diffusing, de-escalating and getting back under control) Making a commitment for change (i.e., making a promise to try to choose a different path) Receiving support and forgiveness from the teacher and peers In addition to these general categories, the focus needs to be on specific behavior difficulties and alternatives to punishment for treating those offenses. Regardless of the consequence that is utilized, the effectiveness needs to be assessed. Traditional Behavior Management Positive Behavior Support Views the person as the problem Views the system, settings or skill Attempts to “fix” the person deficiency as the problem Emphasizes reducing the problematic Adjusts systems and setting and improves behavior skills Relies on punishment Identifies and teaches replacement skills “Quick fix” expectations and builds relationships Designed by “expert” Primarily relies on positive approaches and restoration Goal of sustained results over time Developed by a collaborative team /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 2. CONSEQUENCES THAT TEACH When behaviors occur staff will consider the motivation, and provide a consequence which minimizes the efficiency of the target behavior, and suggest or train a replacement skill. Attention Seeking – provide the child with strategies to obtain attention in an appropriate manner (i.e., raising his/her hand, leading an activity) Power and Control – provide the child with opportunities to make choices and indicate preferences using appropriate strategies Escape Avoidance – teach the child ways to take leave appropriately, increase the child’s tolerance for non-preferred or challenging tasks Tangible – teach the child how to obtain desired items and activities using appropriate strategies (i.e., requesting, waiting his/her turn, “saving up”, delaying gratification) Anger/Frustration – teach the child anger management skills such as verbal de-escalation, conflict resolution, muscle relaxation, reminders, reducers, peaceful imagery, body language, personal space) Status/Acceptance – provide opportunities for the child to gain status through appropriate or desired behavior Sensory – provide the child with the means to integrate or modulate sensory input in a more acceptable manner (i.e., sensory balls, adaptive seats, weighted items, heavy work activities, movement, etc.) CONSEQUENCES THAT RESTORE When behavioral offenses occur, staff will provide consequences that restore. Bullying – meet with the victim and the bully and allow victim to relate how it feels to be victimized, have bullying student do a report on bullying for the class, or act as a leader of a bully prevention team Teasing/Taunting – meet with the victim and the offender and have the offender describe how it feels to be teased, role-play with the offender allowing him to play the victim, provide opportunities for the offender to gain attention and status through community service Vandalism – meet with student and develop restitution plan, if money is a problem develop a plan to repair the item through community service activities, have the student apologize to owner Disrespect/Defiant Behavior – have student meet with staff person he/she has been disrespectful to; discuss more appropriate conflict resolution strategies, brain storm on how to improve relationship and communication, write letter of apology Harassment/Put Downs – meet with student and victims; have victims share how it feels to be teased or put down, have victim and offender provide input into a plan of restoration, apologize to victims Disruptive Behavior – meet with student and school staff; have victim explain how disruption affected them; have student and victim develop a plan of restoration /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 3. Stealing (witnessed) – have student meet with victim; allow victim to respond to the offense, have victim and offender agree on restitution plan and/or community service Threats – meet with the student and discuss more appropriate conflict resolution strategies, have victim describe how it feels to be threatened, work on plan to facilitate a better relationship attempt to resolve conflict rationally Fighting – meet with students who were fighting; discuss more appropriate conflict resolution strategies; develop a plan for future conflicts; develop a peace keeping plan Restorative Justice in School Communities Traditional Restorative Misconduct defined as breaking the rules Misconduct defined as behavior affecting Focus on establishing blame others Conflict represented as impersonal and Focus on problem solving abstract Conflict recognized as interpersonal with Attention given to rules broken value for learning School represented by member of staff Attention given to broken relationships dealing with situation Total school community involved in Accountability defined as receiving facilitation restoration – empowerment punishment Accountability TREATING SPECIFIC BEHAVIORS IN THE CLASSROOM Consequences that Teach and Restore AGGRESSION Fighting with peers may be physical: Hitting Biting Kicking Spitting Pushing/Shoving Throwing objects Verbal Name calling Teasing Profanity Threatening Bullying Engaging in excessive rough play Property destruction /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 4. POSSIBLE MOTIVATIONS Learned through modeling parents and older siblings Has been rewarded for aggressive acts The glamorization of violence or novels, mass media, music, videos, movies A subculture that espouses such violent oriented norms as “an eye for an eye” and “end justifies that means” An inability to separate fantasy from reality or to distinguish play from fighting Homes where the father is missing or the father is battering the mother A home where parents are abusing substances Children with fetal alcohol syndrome CONSEQUENCES THAT RESTORE 1. Use De-Escalation and Diffusion Strategies Verbal Aggression: Honor personal space Avoid ultimatums Provide clear choices Remove triggering stimuli, when possible provide cool down area Use verbal diffusion strategies (i.e., empathic listening, reflection) Set clear limits through clear choices Use “I” statements Use anger replacement relaxation strategies for yourself and the child De-brief with crisis intervention support team Physical Aggression – Staff need to remain calm and supportive: Use inter-positioning, remove weapons of opportunity Use only reasonable force only for protection of self, others, and property Use only approved restraint techniques Provide detailed documentation Use a team approach whenever possible 2. Provide Physical and Sensory Calming Outlets Encourage more appropriate outlets (walking, running, going to a quiet place) Reducing sensory overload (lights, sound, crowding, sensory triggers) For the autistic child consider use of weighted blanket Consider use of swimming, whirlpool, or Jacuzzi therapy 3. Use Processing and Problem Solving Strategies Instead of Suspension and Exclusion If suspension is necessary assure that it is process oriented and that a condition assessment takes place before the child returns to school /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 5. Processing should entail trying to find out what happened or what triggered the aggressive response? Why did the student respond the way they did? Who was involved? Why do they think it happened? An adult should use active and empathic listening Problem solving should entail talking about what other choices or responses that could have been made. What would have been some other choices? Which better choice does the child think he/she could make the next time? Is the child willing to change the present manner of reaction? How hard will it be to do something different that what has been used to? How can we support the child in making better choices? When two students are together for processing, use conflict resolution strategies o Focus on the problem not each other o Use “I” messages o Let each person tell their side without interruption o Discuss compromises or Win-Win options o Is there a solution they can agree upon? o Create an agreement and a commitment to try o Encourage an activity or game that an adult can supervise to release tension (for younger children) For processing, give student the option about how their input or anger might be more appropriate expressed o Talking o Writing it down o Drawing a picture 4. Undermine Aggressive Mentors Many children learn aggressive behavior from an aggressive mentor at home or in the community. To undermine this, they have to trust you and know you care for them. Be willing to listen and watch when you show them a better way The child needs to know that you are caring for them goes beyond the school day that you will be there for them if they need you. Remember the aggressive mentor may be fulfilling this child’s primary needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Who do we think has the “impact” advantage? 5. Consider Limiting Exposure to Violent Media Talk to the child and parents. Is the child preoccupied with violent media? Can the child distinguish fact from fantasy? Would the parents agree to support better media choices for the child Can we provide a balance of media that promotes caring for others and peaceful solutions? 6. Reinforce Getting Along in the Classroom Meetings and Community Building Activities 7. Consider Community Therapy or Counseling if Behavior is Becoming Chronic /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 6. 8. Assure That the Child Knows You Care About Them Give the child a hug Spend some extra time with the child Increase your proximity to them. Try to positively influence their mood Find out who the child’s role models are Consider the idea of a mentor or a character building activity (i.e., scouts, sports, martial arts) 9. Take Steps to Help the Child Feel Safe at School Reinforce caring and vulnerability Try to protect the child from known triggers Frame the child as strong and as a leader for being able to talk things out or walk away 10. For Chronic Aggression Consider the Following Perform and individualized Functional Assessment Consider using a lifestyle assessment Perform environment assessment Write a Behavioral Support Plan 11. Use Calming Strategies. Do Not Worry About Reinforcing Inappropriate Behavior At This Time Some staff will express a concern that if you show empathy or caring at this time that you are going to reinforce inappropriate behavior. “You are rewarding him/her.” Remember the definition of Positive Reinforcement and ask: o Is this the only time the child gets this type of attention? o Is the behavior increasing in frequency when people react with caring and support? Is the child out of control? Is your goal to provide a response that will assist in calming to the child? Note: Always take the time to debrief after an episode in which staff has to had use team management or restraint NONCOMPLIANCE The refusal to comply or follow staff directions. There are three basic forms of noncompliance: 1) Failure to follow group or individual instructional directions 2) Failure to follow known procedures, protocols, agreements, or routines 3) Failure to respond to inhibitory directives to stop an unwanted behavior or rule violation. All forms of noncompliance may be passive or reactive /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 7. POSSIBLE MOTIVATIONS: Noncompliance may function as an escape or avoidance o When a child fears failure o Afraid to try something new o When a child’s resistance relates to certain tasks/activities or challenging or novel tasks o A difficult day or tasks Attention seeking – the child waits for the adult to come help Oppositional Defiance Disorder – this could be a deeper emotional disorder or may be a function of emotional problems related to a significant loss or childhood trauma. Note: “Amounts of noncompliance should be seen as a healthy expression of developing ego seeking independence and self direction.” CONSEQUENCES THAT RESTORE 1. Establish a Close Relationship with the Individual that is Based on Mutual Respect – a child will be much more likely to be responsive if he cares about you and knows you care about them. 2. Provide Time for the Child to Process and Respond – give the child some time to process, walk away, and allow the child to respond without standing over him 3. Consider Providing the Direction or Task in a Different Manner For the Oppositional Child it may be helpful to have cue cards or agenda cards which signal a transition Consider the use of a passport item, a readying song or outline Consider allowing the child to choose a task or task material 4. Ignore Oppositional Verbal Behavior and Avoid Arguing Restate the directive Ask the child for another way that they can show you what they have learned Do not try to force the child. The ultimate goal is for them to develop self-control and enjoy learning; forcing the child will compromise both goals 5. Consider the Use of a Behavioral Contract – developed by the student and yourself, outlining expectations and agreements, and incentives 6. Consider the Use of Premacking for Short Term Engagement – letting the child, if he makes the effort, do something they want 7. Avoid Giving Ineffective Demands Directives which are vague that proper action for compliance cannot be determined /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 8. Directives that are interrupted by future talk or explanations before the child has had a chance to respond Directives that are too complex or have too many steps Directives that fail to allow the child to problem solve and be creative 8. Allow Opportunities for the Child to Make Choices and Have Input into the Daily Agenda Provide the child with an agenda card or a copy of daily procedures 9. For Chronic or Atypical Noncompliance or Shut Down, Investigate History, Find Out if Something Has Happened at Home – it may be helpful to meet with mom and dad, is the child dealing with depression or loss? Note: For chronic noncompliance or shut down, perform a Functional Assessment and develop an individualized Behavioral Support Plan. PUT DOWNS/TEASING/TAUNTING/BULLYING Put Downs – can be any kind of derogatory statement or name calling directed at another child. Put downs can be initiated by one child or a group of children. A put down can be in isolation or repeated Teasing – is repeatedly targeting a particular child with a name, gesture, or sound, that tends to make fun of the child (i.e., repeating the word “bald head” or saying another child’s name over and over incorrectly, making fun of a child who still sucks their thumb by mocking them). Teasing generally is persistent or repetitive over time Bullying and Taunting – occurs when one child or a group of children exert their power over another child or group of children in a hurtful way. Boys tend to be more aggressive in their bullying, often taunting, threatening, and physically hurting those who are less powerful. Girls may bully through talking bad about someone with a group of friends in the absence or presence of that person, intentionally excluding someone from play, parties, projects, discrediting or slandering another person. POSSIBLE MOTIVATIONS: Put Downs and Teasing o Anger/Frustration o Negative Attention o Obtain a Reaction o Misplace Anger o Status o Power and Control o History of Reinforcement o Learned and Modeled at Home or in Community, Friends, Acquaintances /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 9. o Escape Avoidance o Not Feeling a Part of a Group or Community o Not Feeling Influential or Successful in a Group or Community o Not Understanding the Expectations or Unwritten Rules o A Group or Community Has Not Experienced Caring and Acceptance at Home o Not Feeling Accepted in the Group Bullying and Taunting o Low Self-Worth o Insecurity o Status Seeking Through Power and Control o Over Inflated Self Image or Ego o Misplaced Hate and Anger o Identity Confusion o Modeled at Home, School and Community o Escape/Avoidance o Not Feeling a Part of Group or Community o Not Feeling Influential or Successful in a Group or Community o Not Understanding the Expectations or Unwritten Rules or Group or Community o Has Not Experienced Caring and Acceptance at Home CONSEQUENCES THAT RESTORE Privately remove the student for processing and problem solving. Often the student will say the other child looked at him or did something first Review better choices for responding. If two students are together have the bullied student use “I” statements to explain how being bullied makes them feel Investigate the home environment, siblings, community assets, what need do you think is being met Try to provide a better way for the bully to obtain status leadership roles, helping smaller children, watching out for a student with a disability Involve in philanthropy projects, reading a book on bullying, watching videos about bullying Have classroom meetings about bullying Make sure the bully is connected with a positive role model or mentor Involve the bully in character building activities Connect with the bully Provide safe opportunities for the bully to be vulnerable and express feelings WORDS THAT NO KID WANTS TO HEAR: “I’LL CALL YOUR MOTHER!” The phone call home is sometimes necessary. When a child refuses to process or when a child is hurting others. Always let the home know that your contact is a means of gaining their support. Make it clear that you are not asking for the child to be punished, but to reinforce the concept of getting along with others. If a child becomes very frightened or emotional when you call home, /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 10. attempt to find out why. If the child says he is getting beatings or forced isolation for trouble at school, consider reporting only what is absolutely necessary, and not as a consequence for an incidence or behavior. In general reporting in this type of situation should be at a time when the incident is considerably behind the child but still problematic. Obviously, report any suspected abuse. DISRUPTIVE AND OF TASK BEHAVIOR Can consist of making rude noises, blurting out, wandering, singing, mocking, or echoing others, talking off the subject, going into a restricted area, destroying property, repeating questions, doing messy work, breaking pencils and crayons, touching other peoples things, rushing through work, doodling, sleeping, opening and closing desk, repeated sharpening pencils and asking for bathroom passes. POSSIBLE MOTIVATIONS: Escape/Avoidance Anxiety Challenging Instructions or Tasks Attention/Reaction Power and Control Peer Status Peer Attention Poor Impulse Control Inability to Sustain Attention Instruction is Too Challenging or Too Long Not Salient Enough To Hold Attention Lack of Confidence or Insecurity Does not Feel Part of the Group or Community Lack of Organizations Skills Lack of Motivation Lack of Relevance Problems with Depression Ongoing Trauma at Home Poor Fine-Motor abilities Sensory Integration Problems Visual or Hearing Problems Neurological Involvement CONSEQUENCES THAT RESTORE Break down task into more do-able assignment Provide intermittent enhance staff support Use proximity /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 11. Provide frequent feedback and reinforcement for those who are on task and working independently Avoid busy work, minimize repetitive dittos Allow students to create an output mode that demonstrates mastery of learned skills Teach to different learning styles and strengths Provide “energizers” and opportunities for controlled movement Reduce distractions Provide sensory calming activities Reduce noise levels Reduce copying from one medium to another Consider agenda books and checklist For sloppiness, it may be helpful to provide a model to use as current standard It may help to reduce assignment length and assignment field (covering some of the problems so the assignment does not appear so overwhelming Consider use of chunking or doing long assignments in parts, consider the use of technology to facilitate more acceptable work Reduce mental fatigue and compensate for fine motor difficulties Use a timer for task duration-use a challenge not as a punishment Use peer tutors and peer models DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR Use classroom quieting cues Provide frequent opportunities for movement and socialization Provide processing in private Attempt to find out why the person is being disruptive Provide alternatives if the child is saying the ongoing activity is stupid or a waste of time, use Premacking Use contracts (start at levels at which the child can be successful) When disruption is persistent set up private meetings Consider meeting with the parents and discussing the problem generally Consider accommodations that facilitate higher levels of focus and engagement If disruptive behavior is clowning, provide appropriate outlets for gaining peer attention o Plays o Skits o Group projects Provide hands-on or experimental learning Use coded feedback systems or cues to let child know when he is exceeding boundaries Use social skills processing activities Use stimulus control strategies o A designated time to socialize o Exercise and to move around Note: If either of these behavioral conditions (off task and disruptive behavior) are occurring and significantly interfering with the child’s learning or the learning of others, an individualized /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc
- 12. Functional Assessment should be completed and an individualized Behavioral Support Plan should be developed. /home/pptfactory/temp/20110625101410/alternativetopunishment-110625051409-phpapp01.doc