All Things CLASS

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Hi! 
Quick question.
How would you redirect a child that's been redirected multiple times? I have one student who, no matter what will be redirected and as soon as you turn around, will go and do the same things they shouldn't be doing. The technique I prefer using is to get on their level and let them know all the fun things they could be doing instead of the things that are dangerous. I'm kind of at a lost, please help!!

I don't have the exact answer but experience the same thing. The truth is that we can't control the children but just keep trying to use strategies to engage them. My supervisor/who I also utilize as my coach always tells me to use visuals. Finding ways to invite them back and specific acknowledgement with visuals sometimes work. Still. Some children aren't ready and so as long as I can see that they are safe I just check in with them and invite them to join the fun. I also work extra hard to build relationships with the most challenging students by finding out what they like and that helps. 

Keep encouraging yourself and know that it's a process for some children but all that you do is helpful and admirable. Best wishes. 

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Ashley L. Anderson
Education Development Coach
Southern California
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Every behavior is a way of communication, the child is telling you something. We have to get to know the child and figure out what the meaning of the behavior is. Is the child doing it to get attention? How is the interaction between the child and his parents? Does the child have difficulties processing directions, can the child repeat the direction back to you?
It is often helpful to ask another teacher, who is not always with the child , to come in and observe to get another opinion, to get their thoughts. When you have that figured out , you can plan how to address the behavior in the most helpful way.

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ReginaGarrett
FlorissantMO
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I would notice what activities/behaviors the child is doing and find a safe alternative that would give them the same stimulation.  For example: A toddler continues to climb up the tiered bookshelf, even after being redirected...her body is telling her it needs to work on those skills connected to climbing so maybe steer her to a place where climbing is acceptable.  A preschooler is throwing blocks in the block center...maybe steer him to some softer materials that he could practice throwing into a basket.  

This may not be at all what is going on in your situation but evaluating the behavior to see if you can find an acceptable yet similar alternative might help.

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JulieRich
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It depends on what age the child is ? Also , where is it happening , I'm thinking during center time ? 
There is a reason the child is doing it , try and look beyond the behavior to figure out why . What is he or she really trying to say ? Once you know that you can start to work on a solution . 

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SueBradshaw
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I have a student in my room who may not always fool the rules of the classroom herself but is ready to tell others when they need to follow them. At the beginning one of us stayed close during center time or outside to redirect her actions or words to others. It has taken her all school year since August to follow many rules on her own but still needs prompting at times to follow others.  She came into the classroom cursing, hitting, kicking and sticking out her tongue to staff and students.  She has come a long way.  Some children take longer than others to respond to the pyramid strategies we use.  

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Catherine Mallory
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I sometimes have that situation as well I will have one that would be ask to use his listening ears and quit voice while the other children would have their turn in speaking and engaging in conversation he will stop for a minute but will start right back up so what I do is just keep reminding him of our classroom rules to try to get him to understand and then I would demonstrate to him in showing him how it would make others feel when he is not using his listening ears and then go into conversation on why we should use our listening ears.

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TwillaJohnson
SunriseFL
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Wow I really don't have the answer to that question either, I work with older toddlers at the moment and I'm constantly redirecting, we even have to sit down and discuss rules although they sit down and listen, I'm always still redirecting a few friends from the same thing. I have biters and hitters so I'm being a shadow and redirecting which can be overwhelming especially when you're trying to follow curriculum. Do you think maybe if possible to have a parent teacher conference? I know at one center I was working they allowed us to communicate with the parents that way maybe that would help. 

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Chau-kesaGlover
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