Witch Intervention

WHOLE CLASS MANAGEMENT PLAN – This plan was developed to specifically address frequent blurt-outs during a large group math lesson; however, it could be adapted to meet whatever “problem behavior” might be driving you CRAZY!  The novelty might catch their attention and make a point right now, but when the holiday passes, it could be expanded and expectations broadened throughout your day.  The important thing is model and practice your desired behavior and then be CONSISTENT with your expectations.  You may choose to use any visual for your intervention, it doesn't have to be the witch and cauldron.  This can also be turned around and used to reward appropriate behavior.  For ex. a leprechaun lowered into a pot of gold, a puppy into a bag of treats, a car to a finish line...

Target Behavior - Blurt outs/interruption of instruction                                   

Target activity - 40 minute Math instruction in afternoon

Criteria - As a class, no more than 5 blurt outs during designated time
A blurt out is defined as any verbalization that occurs without permission from the teacher in the classroom (hand raised and recognized by teacher). A response to a direct question by the teacher is allowed.

Example of set criteria and response to infraction (could be adjusted to your situation and the length of period – this was a very “chatty” class with a high percentage of impulsive little ones)
  
Move the witch closer to the cauldron with each blurt out (or targeted behavior)  Make sure witch ends up in the cauldron after the class reaches your criteria.  For this class it was the 6th blurt out that put the witch into the pot. 

Reinforcement - 5-10 minutes of desired activity (extra recess, game time, etc.) following the targeted period.  An immediate reinforcement is best.  Do not extend the reinforcement earned until the next day and do not exempt students from this reinforcement.  If certain students know they do not have a chance to earn this because of previous issues, they will sabotage it for the rest of the class. 

To Prepare for Implementation:
·       Materials needed - visual (witch) to measure students' progress toward goal + cauldron or whatever you want your witch to land in if they do not meet criteria + rope to lower the witch into the pot.  
·       Review the plan with the students prior to the first day.  Explain the purpose/target behavior to be addressed.  Explain what that behavior looks like (demonstrate, model, give examples).  Explain the desired behavior (demonstrate, model, practice, practice, practice).  Discuss the goal - how it will be measured (movement of the witch) - what their reinforcement might be - how they can work as a class to support each other so that they can get their reinforcement.