I would start first by telling the student consequences that may occur if she continues to steal now. Telling the student that stealing when they grow up may lead to jail is an abstract concept for a kindergartener to comprehend. The student will have very little understanding of jail, and will have no connection to anything that far in the future. This student needs to understand the consequences and understand the situation as it relates to her current life. If the student see's the connection between what she is doing, and how it will effect her life and her peers lives currently, she will be much more inclined to understand.

I do not think it is appropriate to tell the student that if she steals when she grows up that she will go to jail. I would focus on how it makes the other students feel when something is being taken from them. Asking the student if they have a younger sibling that may have taken their favorite animal or toy out of their room and then ask how they feel. Telling a student in kindergartener that they will go to jail is a scare tactic and potentially a self-fulfilling prophecy. If this student is habitual with their stealing then it is time for the counselor, parents, and potentially outside resources to be involved. As a parent of a child in kindergarten, I would be appalled if a teacher told my child they would go to jail based on their actions no matter what the teacher's personal beliefs are.

Their is no problem informing the student how their behavior can affect them in the future. It is part of the job as a teacher. This confrontation should be done discreetly such as after class or in another room. What should be done next is to inform the guidance counselor, school psychologist, administration, and the parents.

I have a student in my pre-kindergarten classroom that struggles with stealing too. When he steals, I ask him what he did wrong, and how stealing can hurt others. By asking him questions, he is thinking about what he did wrong. In my opinion, allowing the student to verbally talk about what he/she did wrong is much more beneficial than just telling the student what he/she did wrong.

For that age group, I would start by creating classroom rules of respecting the properities of each other. Then I will ask them to help come up with the consequences of breaking those rules. Repeat offenders will receive the consequences as per the rules without trying to embarrass them in front of the class.

I wouldn't want to use a scare tactic. I think explaining that stealing is wrong is the right answer. Give her consequences and stick with them. Let the student know that it isn't right and there are repercussions to that, but you don't want the student to be scared.

Yes. It's a law. Stealing is wrong and it can lead to trouble.

It is not appropriate to tell the student that they will go to jail. This is something that needs to be discussed with the parent. It is okay to tell the student that this action is wrong because that money was for the other student. What is important is to figure out how to prevent the student from stealing. This behavior can be prevented if we find out the student is hungry, the class can receive a snack once the behavior is stopped or maybe the parent can send the child with money or a snack.

I don't see anything wrong with telling the student of serious consequences, otherwise how will they change their behavior? That sad thing too is that this seems to be some type of learned behavior, because I can't believe a kindergarten child would think to do that on their own!