Help for Billy: A Beyond Consequences Approaching to Helping Challenging Children in the Classroom

by Heather T. Forbes

many teachers prefer this option because it ensures an easier afternoon, so the investment of energy and loss of free time is well worth it. Before leaving the cafeteria, the teacher instructs the class to take two deep breaths together prior to returning to the classroom. In the lineup back to the classroom, Billy is at the front of the line with the teacher, or a teacher’s aide stands next to Billy. The aide or the teacher checks in with Billy with a quick “Hi Billy. We’re going back to the classroom now. How are you doing?” Leave the classroom lights on a dim setting so when the students walk into the class, the room provides a calming environment. The teacher instructs the students to take two more deep breaths and slowly turns up the lights when the stress level in the students appears to be returning to a normal level. If the cafeteria still proves too much for Billy, even with the above measures, give Billy an alternative place to eat lunch. Select a quiet place (such as the library or the guidance office) and have Billy eat lunch with an adult he trusts. This one-on-one time could be exactly what Billy needs, providing him with enough regulation to handle the rest of the school afternoon.