Case
Hallways

My students are in 9-12 ESE self-contained classroom. When we go to specials they do not want to stay in a group. I do not want to put them in a line like they are in elementary, but I do not think it acceptable for them to be so spread out and where I can't see them. How do I address this?

Posted on: 02/23/18 | Views: 831
Solution #1
Top Solution
The ESE students that I work with love to be praised and rewarded for good behavior, but they also do not like change. Because they do not like change I would not change up what they are doing. I would remind them that they need to stay in a group when we are going to specials and demonstrate how they should walk in the halls. I would then praise the students who are demonstrating good hallway behavior. I would also inform the students that they may be rewarded for good hallway behavior.

I like this solution because you reward students who are modeling good behavior and procedure and other students will likely follow.

I think this would be the best solution.

I agree with this solution.

It is true that ESE students tend to dislike change, and would like stability.

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Solution #2
If students cannot walk from specials to specials in a large group, then consider splitting the group up with the assistant of a co-teacher or an aide. Add this as a new procedure for the class and reward those who follow the rules. Remember to go over these rules every morning as a part of the morning routine.

I agree with this solution.

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Solution #3
I don't see anything wrong with standing in a line, I don't see how this is something that's only acceptable for elementary students? It's effective and works, it keeps your students organized and in a routine that they will get in the habit of. This would definitely help to keep them in order, all together, and within site where you can easily manage them.
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Solution #4
Perhaps assign them to partners of 2 and some kind of group pattern besides single file order, maybe even two walking behind two and so on. Also, designate which side of the path to walk on to reduce them getting lost in the crowd entirely. In my self-contained class, we leave about 2 minutes before the bell to prevent this which is also another solution, we leave and arrive about 2 minutes early to everywhere including back to class so not time is really lost, but no kids lost more importantly.

I believe a buddy system would work for this problem. By putting students into a position where they are mutually responsible for each other, you are providing them with a check against unwanted behaviors. This would also make it easier to keep an eye on the group, as watching pairs means less focus on individuals.

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Solution #5
Tell students that they need to be in sight of the teacher at all times, and because of which they can either stay within close proximity or in a line but they are not allowed to be so spread out to the point that you cannot see them.

I agree with this solution.

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Solution #6
Having them stay in line is a possible solution-- even though they are in high school, it is still an effective way for them to stay together and get to where they need to go in a timely manner. If you are opposed to this, then grouping them in separate groups and having an aid help with transitions could also be another solution.

I agree with this solution.

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Solution #7
Giving the students a way to walk with purpose might help. For example, you could instruct them to step on every other square in the tile or walk like a quiet dinosaur.

I agree with this solution.

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Solution #8
I would recommend implementing a reward based system in the classroom. I am working as an intern in an ESE self contained classroom as well and the students behave like angels. The student are content and it is extremely rare that they act out. In my classroom we have a student be a co-teacher whom hands out tickets to each student when they come in and do their bell work. They get the tickets for doing what they are supposed to be doing. Then at the end the teacher pulls out 3 winners and the students get to pick from various prizes at the end of the class that are mostly just candy. Then the tickets are thrown away. This system may seem childish or silly but it does wonders in the classroom. Like I mentioned before the students behave extremely well, and go to their small groups, etc without issue.

This could be very beneficial, if you reinforce that classroom expectations and rewards are still applicable to hallways, transitioning, and other areas. Students like to have incentive.

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Solution #9
Encourage the students to stay in a group or buddy up in the halls.
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Solution #10
If I were in this situation, I would tell the students if they don't stay together then they will be put in a line. Maybe create a buddy system and in the halls the buddies get put into different groups. The class will move in different groups in the hall which will make it easier to keep track of them.

I agree with this solution.

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Solution #11
I would setup a class reward system. Once you set that up you can see the students who want to follow the rules and those that do not. Then you can talk to those who do not and provide consequences.

Class reward systems are really effective in motivating students to follow procedures.

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Solution #12
Rewarding with positive behavior. Reminding students that as a class and as a group it is important to stay together or they will not be going to specials and they can stay behind in the class and do extra work if they want to choose to not listen to what they are being instructed to do.
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Solution #13
I would warn them if they cannot stay in a group that they will have to walk in a line (I wouldn't consider walking in a line is only for elementary). I would also have a teacher/ assistant at both the front of the group and at the back.
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Solution #14
Set the standard of standing to a particular side of the hallway, have an adult in the front and the back to show boundaries.

I agree with this solution.

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Solution #15
I would tell them that they have to stay in a group, otherwise they'll have to walk in a line. Explain that you need to be able to see them and that is the only way to do so.

Explaining why they need to be in your vision is a good first step.

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Solution #16
Reward the students who are staying close in the group this will show the other students what they should be doing. Tell the students that it is not okay if you cannot see them because they are out of sight from the others.
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Solution #17
Since this is a self-contained classroom, one suggest that could be utilized, after reviewing and practicing the hallway procedures and praises/rewards is not working, is to have your students transition to the elective right before the bell rings. Walking through the hallways with the general education students might be too exciting or intense for them to focus on the hallway policies. Traveling to their electives without other students will also help you as the teacher keep a better eye on all of your students.
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Solution #18
I would remind the students of their expectations. Then as you are walking, when students begin to fall behind, I would stop and not let anyone pass until they catch up. The students should catch on and police themselves. Then if they continue to not behave as expected, I would have them lineup. Then let them know that as long as they don't meet their expectations, they will be lined up. Give them a chance to break out of the line and use it as a reinforcement when the students model expected behavior.
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Solution #19
Have the students walk in a line until they do understand that they can't roam around while walking to specials.
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Solution #20
I would tell them that at any point during the specials you would call a cut and if they were not close enough to the class they would not get the reward at the end of the specials.
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Solution #21
ESE students have a very hard time with change, large unfamiliar spaces, and crowds so everything about having them walk to specials in a high school setting seems like it would overwhelm them and cause them to be out of their element and act up. I would start by lining all students up in a single file line with you the teacher at the head of the line and then the aids in the middle and at the end of the line. I would buy a jump rope from the store and make a spot on each section of the jump rope for each student labeled with their name. I would then introduce the jump rope as our walking in line tool. I would explain that each student has a special spot on the rope with their name on it and this we are going to hold onto our spot when we walk in line and those of my friends that stay on their spot will get a special reward. This will help them with the visual aspect of what you are asking them to do and when they have enough practice and success walking correctly in line you can then take the tool away and reward them for walking correctly in line without the rope and following classroom expectations.

Good way to acknowledge the students and their needs.

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Solution #22
If the students go to specials during pacing period like mine do, it should not be an issue. They should not be treated like children, however if they act like children perhaps they should be treated as such.

I agree with this solution.

They are indeed not children and should not be treated as such. However, they do need accommodations.

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