Case
Stealing Student

I have a student in my classroom who has begun stealing things out of other student's desks. She has also taken pens and pads of paper from my desk. When the issues first began, she did not own up to her actions, however now she will say she did it. There does not seem to be any remorse and I have to ask her to apologize to others. What can I do to teach her that stealing is wrong and to prevent it from happening again?

Posted on: 03/15/15 | Views: 1282
Solution #1
I would start by trying to ascertain why the student continues the behavior. Is it attention seeking, deprivation, a cry for help? Sometimes figuring out why is more important to the solution than teaching the consequences of the action. If you can determine the antecedent, you may be able to prevent the behavior.
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Solution #2
Talking to the student to understand what is causing this misbehavior may help. Showing that we care about the student and what is happening in their life may be enough to help the problem. Having a conference with the parents could help. Also maybe mentioning this to a counselor.

This is a great solution. Don't assume that the child stole on purpose, they may have had a reason.

This is a great idea. She needs to talk to someone about why she's stealing, is it for attention?

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Solution #3
I would report the incidents to administration and refer the student to guidance counselors for further evaluation. There is certainly an underlying issue as to why the student is stealing. The guidance counselor may be able to recommend some services for the student's family if financial hardship is the reason for the stealing.
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Solution #4
Like others have said first identify why the behavior is occurring, is she trying to get attention? I would read a story about stealing to the class, talk about what can happen if you steal something at the store. Often children will fear the real consequence of their action. If the behavior persists talk to a parent, and ask if they are doing this at home, and what you can do to help solve this issue.
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Solution #5
I would take the student aside and speak to them one on one and let them know that stealing is not right and there are consequences. Let them have that chance, if it continues, contact the parent and let them know it is occuring. If it still continues, have a confrence with the student, parent and the principal.
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Solution #6
I would make sure that things are locked up so the student can't steal. The best solution is to write documentation for every time the student has stolen. Then talk with the parents saying that the student has admit to stealing and does not seem remorseful and if they can't remedy the situation. Then the principal needs to get involved and address how serious stealing is to the student and family if the issue continues.
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Solution #7
I would make sure that the classroom rules are clearly posted in the room, and make sure all students are aware of the consequences. I would also try teaching a lesson on why stealing is not good. This could maybe get the student to see stealing in a different perspective.
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Solution #8
When the incidents first started I would have talked with the student one-on-one to review rules, set consequences, and to try and determine why. In addition, I would have contacted the parents to make them aware of the situation and to determine if this is a first time offense. If the situation is reoccurring, and is showing no remorse, I would have the student sit in a seat away from other students and have the student ask to leave their seat (which I do anyway) and would keep a closer eye on their movements. In addition, I would inform administration and the school counselor on the situation. In the past I have had a student who was a klepto, all of the teacher got together and determined we would not allow him his bookbag at his seat and would check his pockets before and after class which reduced the number of incidents (administration approved). Consequences still need to be given, so disciplines were issued for each incident and when he stole money from another student the SRO was involved, which I believe opened his eyes to the consequences of the real world.
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Solution #9
I would document each incident and try to uncover the reason for her actions. I would also hold her accountable and give her consequenses for actions so hat she knows this is not ok. For each occurance a more severe consequence. Maybe everytime she steals something she loses something of value to her.

I think she's stealing for other emotional reasons taking things away from her won't solve the problem.

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Solution #10
It would be best to start by talking to the student to see if there is any underlying cause to the behavior.If it becomes necessary you should contact the students parents to see if they know anything. Just keep in mind to avoid playing the blame game.
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Solution #11
Talk to the parents, tell them what happens in the class and that the child can put everything back without mentioning it but the parents should talk to the child so that he wouldn't do it again.
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Solution #12
If another student is willing, I would have one of the students that she stole something from tell her why it upset them. Maybe if she is able to see how it really effects the other students she'll be more willing to stop.

This student has admitted to stealing and shows no remorse for her actions. This student need more interventions than just trying to appeal to her conscience.

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