Ten (Somewhat) Easy Steps to Lower Off-Task Behavior in Physical Education

Ten (Somewhat) Easy Steps to Lower Off-Task Behavior in Physical Education Stu Ryan sryan@uwf.edu

Be Organized and Set Clear Expectations Bad Instructions • Never assume students know what to do. • Give clear and precise directions • Use attention getters

Bad Directions Bad Directions

Emphasize the Positive • Reinforce positive behavior • Look for those good things • Tell student, friends, other teachers, admistrators, parents

Keep Back to Wall, Scan, and Move • Be the lighthouse • Keep 51% in view • Bring kids to you

Use Crossgroup Feedback and PA Systems • Distal feedback will alert students • PA system will save voice, reduce discipline, management time, and more student will understand directions

Use Proximity Control • Off-task behavior is reduced in your location • Bring the student with you

Redirect • Take the misbehavior and redirect it to another but similar task

Phone Home • Make it positive • One call for each class per week

Toss a Ball, Shoot Some Hoops • Id problem student • Play catch or shoot bball after class/school • Let the student do the talking

Apply Effective Desist • No embarrassment or student will “bow up” • Make private if possible • Monotone voice • Tell what they did wrong, what they should be doing, and consequences • Leave quickly

Use Systematic Discipline • Make it consistent and progressive. • Post system • Remind students • Give positive reinforcement whenever possible

Your Ideas??

Ten (Somewhat) Easy Steps to Lower Off-Task Behavior in Physical Education