Compare: The two students have similar behavior patterns. However, I chose two different interventions because they fit the students individually. With Annie, I know she is not getting the support she needs at home. This problem has been going on for a long time. The last meeting I had with her mom, she told me that her daughter could read loud and clear with perfect pronunciation. Therefore, I asked her to bring the book to the meeting. When I asked Annie to read the book, she said that her mom usually reads and she copies, with perfect repeated language. Therefore, as you now can see, this is based of a real event and we are well past the call/note home strategy I used as T1. I used it in the assignment only because I used it in real life. Considering her behavior did not change, worsening behavior followed. So, next we would all agree it was best to sit down, discuss the problem with Annie and create a behavior contract. If she followed the behavior contract she would be rewarded for good behavior. The problem is once she is rewarded she thinks she can go back to how she was behaving. Therefore, if it continues, the next logical step is to have behavior meetings and consider seeing a behavior specialist. I feel bad for her because I know she doesn't get the support she deserves at home. Her parents seem to think learning is incredibly easy and everyone does it the same way. Therefore, I also included a parent contract. Our conversations would also be linked in a chain email and a copy would be given to the school, teachers and parent. We can only manage what happens at school. It's up to the parents to make sure they are doing their homework. Also, it seems there are no norms at home. Annie says when she is home she is left to her own devices, aka an ipad. I have seen some motivation in her recently. I think she is beginning to understand the seriousness of these actions. She is behaving well in class and turning in semi completed homework. It's a start and I am happy to keep lending a helping hand. 2.Now with Henry I went in a different direction. I do acknowledge that his behavior is beginning to become problematic. However, I do not believe we are at a stage of needing to involve the parents or create a behavior contract. Both students do turn in incorrect work frequently. Both students do get out of their desks and are easily distracted. However, I believe Henry will benefit from the 4 step intervention I have created. First I wanted to instill a plan for breaks. This strategy can be used for the whole class, individuals or small groups. Sometimes we just need a break. If others need a break I can work directly with him and vice versa. I have seen the benefits of differentiated instruction and know certain children need their lessons chunked into smaller pieces. Therefore, I will begin developing smaller chunks for Henry and others that may be in need. We will try this method for one month. If we do not see results, I will recommend peer tutoring. I decided to add the praise game as, it is just important to praise each other. Say one nice thing about each other. Take time to appreciate those around us. Sometimes we just need a hug or someone saying something nice to us that we might not recognize in ourselves. This can be a huge motivator. I have tried this with Annie as well, however, she results back to old behavior and is easily upset.
