Intervention vs. Consequences

Cleo has started tapping her pencil on the desk, and it's beginning to get irritating.

• Intervention

• Consequence

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Intervention because it refers to taking action to stop or prevent something, in this case, Cleo tapping her pencil on the desk. Walking over and teaching near the student could help them to stop the sound.

Sam, a typically compliant kid, is distracting the class by talking to his buddy Ray.

• Intervention

• Consequence

Answer explanation

Sam's behavior is causing a distraction. The correct choice is 'Intervention' because it refers to taking action to address the issue. You could wander over near the students or gently remind them to save that behavior for their p.e. class.

Josephine has just started tickling Rachel as they stand in line. Rachel is now giggling and yelling, :Sto it! Stop it!" The other kids are starting to get restless.

• Intervention

• Consequence

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Intervention' because Josephine's action of tickling Rachel caused her to react and yell, 'Stop it!' You could move to be near them and say "Oh not, I guess you two need to be apart right now." Then have one of the students stand right next to you.

Everytime Quentin walks to lunch with the class, he drags his pencil down the wall and leaves marks. He's just done it again!

• Intervention

• Consequence

Answer explanation

Quentin's action of dragging his pencil down the wall and leaving marks would need to have a consequence. He could have to spend the first part of lunch cleaning the marks he left off the wall.

Selena is starting to fidget at her desk and shes getting that "look" she gets when she's about to get really difficult.

• Intervention

• Consequence

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Intervention' because Selena's behavior indicates that she is about to become difficult, and an intervention may be needed to address the situation. You might give her a quick but small task to complete to be helpful, like returning a book to the library.

Justin and Ray have been whispering with each other and distracting the class. You've tried three preventative interventions, but it hasn't stopped. You are noticing a "pattern" here.

• Intervention

• Consequence

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Consequence', because the behavior has become a pattern you would need to apply a consequence. Use a delayed consequence, because you two can't fix this behavior I will need to give you a consequence, but not now, I will let you know later. Or you could send one to a recovery area or both to different recovery areas.