The best way to address this situation would be to have a class discussion about honesty. The teacher can start by asking student what honesty means. After that she can play a video about a young person doing things that are honest and dishonest. There is a video online called Honesty is True, this video is appropriate for children. In addition, the teacher can explain to children that if you ever do anything dishonest the best way to fix it is by telling the truth to an adult or a teacher.

Hi Husava, I would definitely use this as a teaching moment to explain the importance of honesty to the students. Talk about stealing and the effect this has on others. Talk about classroom rules and societal rules that go against stealing. Let students know that if they are ever struggling with a situation that they know is not ethical, they can talk to their parents, their teacher, or another adult. Let students know that stealing is something that is not tolerated in the classroom or in society and that just because others may steal doesn't mean they should. Also, remind the students that if they are in need of supplies or anything that helps them succeed at school there are social workers and school counselors who have connections to resources for students. Make sure students know that the school is their to support them in their education by any means possible. Tell them they can talk to you privately and you can help make sure they have the things they need. Melissa

I would mark which items are yours with a permanent marker, and maybe audit how many you have so that you can keep count and know when you are missing items. Also, if you put items in organized areas this may make it harder for these items to go missing or potentially being misplaced.

If you create a lesson about honesty and respect can be really helpful for this kind of situation. It will create awareness and even others kids will recognize the inappropriate behavior of others and they will tell you right away when they see someone taking something that belongs to the classroom.

Talking about honesty in the classroom is the biggest thing in the classroom. Making sure that students are not lying about stealing items from the room. Also, if you have your students in groups, you can have containers in the middle of the groups, with certain amount of materials in each, so at the end of each day when you look in the containers you can see if anything is missing and you can pinpoint which group of students are stealing materials in the classroom.

I also think that the best way to handle this would be to have a class discussion and discuss expectations of them. Also remind them that if we can not take care of our items it will be hard to do any fun activities.

I feel as if in this situation, I would hide the rest of the stuff so that nothing else goes missing. Mayvbe at the beginning of the day, talking to the students about some recent missing items that are very important in the classroom. Sending out an email to the parents, or sending out a letter home for the parents to read. Sometimes it is easier to let the parents deal with the situation, then taking care of it yourself. So that parents do not come after you for mistreating their children.

I think having a talk about being truthful and explaining why it is so important with an example such as: "the boy who cried wolf" could be a great way to solve this issue without blaming students or causing a scene.

This seems like the perfect opportunity to discuss the topic of "respect and honesty," as a big part of life is learning how to demonstrate respect to parents, co-workers, friends, bosses, and even strangers. One way to encourage respect and honesty may be to have a "desk fairy". The "fairy" could visit each desk every Friday during recess and see if any students left classroom materials in their desks to give back to the teacher. This gives students an opportunity to be honest and write a note next to a pencil saying "I found this on the floor it belongs to the teacher". If the students portray honesty, the desk fairy could leave a Hershey kiss or something on the desk. This method also prevents any embarrassment of students coming forth and being honest.

I would have a whole class conversation about things i have noticed gone missing. I would not accused any particular person about having the items and say that I would like my materials back. If the thief continues that means that the resources are not longer there to be used.

I would start off with talking to your students about it, in a discussion format, and how this makes you feel, but you should emphasize that the student who did this is not in trouble and that you wish that they would just stop as it hurts your feelings.

I think you should start taking things away from the students and give them a reason. Tell them that your things have been disappearing and if it continues to happen they will keep losing things that they enjoy.

Have a whole class discussion about honesty, ask students do they know that taking items that do not belong to them is not an honest thing to do. Show a short video on honesty reinforce to your students that if they ever need anything that you do not have to take anything just ask for what you feel you need and if you can't assist them there are other alternative measures that can be taking to get them school supplies or whatever is needed.

I would have a serious talk with the students and tell them about why we need supplies. You also can talk about how taking stuff without permissions is not good and how it can effect people. I think the talk if done correctly will help stop things from going missing.

Does your school have a resource officer? I once had this problem with a few of my students and invited the school officer in the classroom to give a talk about honesty and the consequences of stealing. After that, my CT and I had no problems!

I think something you could do is having students have to sign out all materials in the classroom. If they need to use a pencil they must sign it out, or if they want to use a book that they must sign it out. You could also make students stay in certain areas while using your materials. Lastly, I would try to make your materials big, obnoxious, and something students would not want to carry around. This way you would be able to see it and they would not want to take it out of the classroom.

Have a class discussion about honesty

I would have a class discussion and explain to the class that these are things that you are unable to replace and you really need them back. I would explain to the students that if they know for a FACT who took the items, or if they took anything themselves then they can come speak with you in private and no punishment will be had. But, until then you cant provide them with these materials until you receive yours back. My CT had the school resource officer come into the classroom and discuss stealing and the consequences of stealing with students. She has also had him come in to discuss fighting and other numerous deviant behaviors. It seems to put kids in their place and make them come to their senses. You could also send home a newsletter to all parents explaining what you have noticed and how you would appreciate their support in the matter. Explain that these materials are valued and do not come from the school money, but rather money from your own pocket in which you can't afford anymore.

Find a video and possible lesson abo0ut honesty. Tell your students how important it is to be as honest at all times. If the doesn't work, send home emails asking the parents to check the child's bags.