The "Time Out" Debate

re: The "Time Out" Debate

Marquita — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:47:02 GMT

I have used time out with a non-verbal student who we believe to have PDD. It works well when we totally ignore him while he is in time-out. After 3 to 4 minutes, we bring him back to the activity without talking until he is seated and ready to work. Once he has completed some part of the activity/work, we give him positive feedback for choosing to work hard and cooperate. It works very well with him.

re: The "Time Out" Debate

Beth — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:07:15 GMT

I am really enjoying your blog. I check in as often as I can. As a stay at home mom, I continue to feel connected to our profession as I read your posts. Many thanks!

re: The "Time Out" Debate

stephanie dowling — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:37:00 GMT

Thank you both for your comments!

Lara - I would love to hear more about the TO workshop you went to....

Jennifer - Thank you for sharing your story. I have to tell you the "naughty chair in closed" response made me laugh out loud! Sounds like his communication is progressing well :)

re: The "Time Out" Debate

Lara — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:46:03 GMT

I have been taking a "Tough Kid" parent class through my school district. I don't have any kids of my own, but thought it would be useful to have some ideas for parents that ask me what they can do at home to improve their child's behavior. We had a fantastic class on Time Out a couple weeks ago. I don't have time to write all that it would take to explore this topic in depth, but I will say that I am a supporter of Time Out IF IT IS DONE PROPERLY. Before taking this class I never knew the "rules" of using Time Out, but they really make sense once you understand them. I will try to write up a little synopsis when I have a few minutes (I am wrapping up the school year right now so things are crazy!).

re: The "Time Out" Debate

Jennifer Polak — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:00:27 GMT

I use the "naughty chair" with my son. When he is being defiant I will ask him " do you need to sit in the naughty chair?" To which he responds " No, not the naughty chair". Sometimes when he is feeling stubborn, he will tell me "the naughty chair is closed". For a child with limited communication skills, I feel that it teaches him consequences nicely. We always talk about why he ended up in the naughty chair, and I always let him know that he can make better choices, and that I love him:)