With one of the students in my internship class, we have a specialized spot for him online. He does take frequent breaks and naps. We have a designated spot with a matted rug, weighted blanket, and pillow. He also has a one-on-one paraprofessional who is great with re-directing him. When we can tell he is getting anxious, we direct him to the rug. After being consistent with this, he will now get up and go on his own. This is his 'safe spot' where he can go and nap with items that he enjoys. With another student who walks out of class often, we have designated a 'safe spot' for him, which is with another teacher. We let him know that if he needs a break and feels the urge to walk out of class, he must report directly to this teacher. This teacher is one of his favorites who has built a great rapport with him. As soon as he walks out of the door, we call the teacher to let her know and she meets him in the hallway to ensure he gets to her safely.

It is interesting to me that the student states that they are tired, but insists on trying to leave the class. Maybe the student is resisting sleep and trying to re-energize by getting up and moving around. Maybe the student needs to have breaks to get up and stretch. If this doesn't work, further investigation of his routine at home should be looked into. Present this issue with the parents or caregivers so that they are aware and can make adjustments at home.

It sounds like the student is having issues at home, perhaps causing him to lose sleep. I would set up a conference with the parents. If the parents are uninvolved, I would recommend giving the student frequent "brain breaks" to help him refocus. Also, maybe keep a limit on the amount of time students can leave the classroom.

Kind of piggy-backing off what was said above, I do think you should call the parents and ask them if this child is getting the proper amount of sleep each night. Perhaps there is something we don't know. If the parents, say, has to drop the child off at a baby-sitter at 4am because they work, that may be something that is useful to know.

I would learn this child's habit and routine and what exactly triggers him to leave the classroom. Perhaps he is being given too much time to do one activity and he needs more variety. Offering many activities as well as many spaces to go in the classroom might help this student stay in class.

I think is a great idea to give him several breaks during the day. Some kids can do just fine during a long and demanding school day; some others don't know to cope with that. Some students get to school earlier than others because they are part of the "after school program". I will check his daily routine and offer breaks and rewards. For example, if he finishes his assignment he can use the Ipad.

Perhaps this child's attention span is shorter than average. Although the teacher may have a difficult time focusing on the interest of one student in particular, certain classroom tools could be incorporated. For example, there are bungee-like foot rests that may be attached at the bottom of desks for students to keep their feet in a place that they are not dangling whilst being simultaneously occupied. For students with focusing issues, small implementations like this go a long way. Otherwise, if the student really does not get enough sleep, the other solutions posted are great ideas!

Some important details to know before finding a solution would be the student's age/grade and if the student has an IEP. The students could have a hard time staying awake because of a situation at home or maybe they keep leaving because they have a form of ADHD. There are simply many variables that are needed to narrow down solutions for this particular student. With what you've provided, I would recommend sending a note home to let the parents know what is happening and set up a conference so you can figure out a solution together.

Allowing the student to move around the room and stretch may be something that he needs. If that is the extent, then it is okay. As far as him leaving the classroom, that is a problem.

Its interesting to hear that they constantly want to leave the classroom, even though they're tired. I would allow them to take frequent breaks and keep them busy with activities that are interesting to them. A one-on-one discussion can help identify ways to accommodate this student.

I am a firm believer in a reward system of some kind rather than punishment to motivate the student to behave correctly. For every day that the student stays in the classroom, I would give him a sticker, point, or something physical to keep note of how many days he stays in the room. For every 10 consecutive days that he stays inside the classroom, I would give him a larger prize (toy box, snack, computer time, etc). For every time the student leaves the classroom, his points should be cleared and he must start fresh.

i would recommend punishing the student for walking out without permission.

I would talk to the authority of the school to figure out an individualized behavior plan for the student. Have a series of tests and analyzations be done to make sure that the plan will be effective and good for the student. This will hopefully make things better in the classroom, with less distractions and misbehaviors.

I don't think you need an incentive to keep this child in class, I think this students needs more serious consequences. Maybe then this student will learn how to stay in class, this is frustrating for everyone not just the teacher, the students as well.

have you thought about limited passes. and if he runs out then he owes you time or something like that?

Next time the student is too tired to focus, have them do 5 jumping jacks or push ups. This acts as a brain break and lets them refocus.

Limit the amount of passes that the student is given and check with guidance for any reports of issues at home.

Talk to counselors. Seems like there is a problem at home.