Consequences In The Classroom 

Your logical consequences approach definitely make sense! There's no "clip chart" in the workplace, in college or anywhere else in adult life. I had the clip chart system in first grade. The same kids moved their clips to "red" every day and it got to a point where it didn't even faze them anymore. I had to move my clip once for swearing and all it did was make me cry. It didn't help me learn WHY swearing isn't appropriate.

I’m a first year kindergarten teacher, and this is EXACTLY what I need! Even the “classroom management” college courses never touch on actual consequences, rather just how to prevent undesired behaviors. Thank you for sharing!

I looked up “perfect classroom” and there was a picture of Miss May😎

I’ve always placed a strong emphasis on love & logic and building a strong report ....until this year. I...am...worn...out. New administration, micromanaged, overcrowded classroom filled with emotionally disturbed kids. I’ve been losing my temper and having to go cry in the restroom. It’s bad. I really miss the days when I laughed a lot and felt close to my students. I dread every school day. I don’t know if I should change schools or if every school is the same. I feel like I’m in an abusive relationship with teaching.

I feel you are right about the logical consequence for the student who made a mess in the bathroom because cleaning up the mess relates directly to what the student did that needs to be corrected. Taking away recess tine for that student has nothing to do with the student’s initial mistake. I agree with you completely!

Yes on the excuses! As a teacher it is exhausting. I'm not criticizing your parenting, I'm not out to get your child, but you need to know about this behavior and we have to do something about it at school and home. If anything this call/email shows I care. I will totally admit I was a rule follower "goody goody" in school, but the literally handful of times I had to move my clip or whatever the thing was at the time, my parents would say "what did YOU do". Never do it again. Nowadays it's "what did you (the teacher) do?" But you are right-- it is the world today and we just have to accept it unfortunately!

Great information!! I teach Kindergarten and it is rough some days. I am still blown away at the disrespect I get from kids at this age. AND how their parents give excuses or laugh it off. So frustrating to not have support sometimes. Thank you for this video!

This is you doing gods work. Coaching teachers to be better so that the kids win out in the end. I believe every teacher needs a positive, kind, relatable role model and you are just that Miss May. Keep making the world better one video at a time xoxo p.s could you do a pt 2 for on the spot logicol consequences for kids that wont focus , kids that disrupt others etc. Love you Miss May

Ms. May, you’re awesome! I’m a principal and agree with you (150%) about clip charts. Kids learn very quickly that they have a couple of opportunities to get away with poor behavior. Additionally, I believe in Love and Logic strategies and I have used the bathroom consequence and it works! Thank you for your post.

Moving their clip or color for me is documentation for the parent and my principal. I also have a terrible memory so it reminds me who I need to talk to after they have calmed down. Having the conversation and consequences are done also. Bonding with them is key. Students start out thinking I'm a "mean" teacher, but by the end of the first quarter they are very happy they got me as a teacher.

Never talk to a kid when they are upset! Amen! I say it right to them. I cannot talk to you when you are angry and do not have full control over your actions. (Especially whining and yelling) I do not do whining whatsoever. If I try to have the conversation and you still aren't ready we wait.

I feel like sometimes missing recess is a logical consequence. If you play during a time you should be working, you do the work when you should be playing. Missing recess for everything has never worked for any of my classes.

I play on my relationship with my kids. . Oh ________ I'm heartbroken by your choice. I love you so much, but this is not what I want to see my ____________ doing. So what are you going to do to fix it? (They reply) I still love you, but because of your actions this is what's going to happen. And next time I know you will make a much better choice. Now when its severe, oh girl I am not a yeller but that stern hard voice comes out along with the squinty eyes of total doom and talking through my teeth. haha!

Unfortunately my school requires us to use the color system. I literally just had it hanging on the wall. Instead I used your super improver wall, and my kids loved it! It made a huge difference in my classroom. My kids never let me forget to stay on top of it lol. I plan on using it again this year. I even got one of the other teacher's at my school to use it in her classroom! Thank you for the idea and the resource!

I love your approach, just a few questions: What would you do if a kid calls somebody else names? Or bullying happens? What would you do if somebody pushes somebody else? What would you do if soembody would start abusing the cool down corner to sit there the whole time instead of doing something? Would love more examples of what you do when students do soemthing?

Thank you for your positivity and for sharing what is working for you. I’ve tried the ignore thing, but what happens then is that the other students are distracted and annoyed at the incessant behavior. I’ve learned to address it on the spot, one-on-one, eye-level and with a stern, but quiet, voice that allows them to choose the logical consequence if they continue, lol. It has worked like a charm. Being a teacher requires a lot of wisdom and patience!

I absolutely loved this! I’ve definitely had my struggles with management. Everything you said is what has been going through my head this year as an aide. When I have my own classroom again my approach will be completely different. It used to be all about the punishment. Next time it will be about relationships.

Thank you!! Thank. You. This is exactly how I felt all through clinical teaching and I felt like the only person who felt this way. I have finally found your channel. Thank you. This makes sense.

I love your teaching style! I have the students sit with me and we have a conversation to discuss their actions and what they learned. It’s usually about 3 mins or so. So essentially they do lose recess, but it’s effective.

Thanks so much for this. I started my super improver chart with the kids and it has been fantastic. I always hated the clip, card, and Dojo method that everyone uses. It is my first year teaching so I get a little nervous doing my own thing- what I feel in my gut is best. I have a couple of kids that are disruptive but I try to keep my cool. They have places to cool off at and sometimes I find it hard not to say something when they blurt out during circle and teaching time because it distracts the rest of the kids. I really appreciate your post. It gave me some reassurance that I am doing the right thing.

Favorite teacher youtuber hands down! I’m entering my first year of teaching and I’ve been binge watching all your videos! We need every teacher to be like you! ♥️

You’re exactly where you need to be in life- spreading that joy and love to children. Thank you for making the world a brighter place- I’m so happy and encouraged when I watch you!

totally agree Miss May but I do have one suggestion. Ignoring (behavior extinction) can work sometimes, but sometimes a student is unconsciously asking to be "seen". the program Time to Teach has 4 one word "diffusers" they use to let the student know I "see" you but we're not having what you're serving us. They are: "I understand", "Nevertheless", "I'm sorry" and "Probably so". so when a kiddo says "I hate this! or It's too hard!" you say with sincerity and authenticity: "I understand" and a follow up, "how might I help?". totally diffuses the situation. when a student blurts something outloud that is trying to derail instruction, you can smile and say "nevertheless..." and continue on with instruction. etc etc. I find these diffusers super helpful to acknowledge frustration but not spend time on it--which also builds community. You're amazing and continue what you're doing!

I never thought about the clip system in this manner but what you are saying makes SO much sense!!

Amen girl! I love the way you think as a teacher🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 the world needs more teachers like you

I really love this video. It really underscores so much of the other programatic pieces you’ve discussed. Building relationships, knowing & facilitating routines & procedures, employing logical consequences, and being consistent are the techniques that help all teachers, but specifically if a teacher isn’t strict (esp high school teachers), these techniques make the difference & go a long way to create healthy classroom climates 💝

So grateful I found your channel. It’s a GODSEND!!!! This coming school year will be my 2nd year teaching. My first year was full of chaos. I’m in desperate need of that “well-oiled-machine” feel. Can’t wait to do a deep dive into your channel!!!!! Feeling better after only 2 videos.

I am totally 100% with you on this... children should learn how to self regulate their behaviour I started 30 years ago and I have never kept a child in from playtime as it does not work. You are really brilliant at understanding children ... we need more of you. keep spreading your positive message🏆🌹

Just wanted to say, I’m so glad I came across your video. I’ve recently been trying to implement this kind of approach (especially having the child who “misbehave” to calm down before having a chat ) and I love it and I can already see some positive changes. Still hard to implement at times when overwhelmed but I’m not kicking myself as I just started working in the industry and I’m learning too. Anyways amazing video! Thanks

Sooo I’m going to be binge watching for the next couple of weeks! I wish I worked by you lol!

Yes!! I came from an early childhood background and we called it natural consequences but whatever the name it works and is so much better than the clip charts. Those always reminded me of sticker charts. The same students would always get the stickers and the same students would have one or no stickers. Thank you!!

Awesome! This video makes so much sense!! Taking a child's recess changes nothing. The same children continue to miss their recess for the same things.

I used the super improver chart you introduced last year in my special education classroom...thank you thank you thank you!!! My students loved it and ironically it even helped them identify words. It worked extremely well.

This is such an awesome and informative/ confirming video. I've never heard of the clip system. But I'm in agreement with you about logic consequences because I do it. I work with preschoolers and "time out" (which I equate to time off of recess) is pointless because the tension span of young children is short. My babies in the past found ways to entertain themselves in time out when I did use the "time out" method, out of instilled habits, which did nothing to them grasping the understanding fir why their actions was unacceptable. Therefore, time outs I found that to be pointless. They forget why they are even in time out to begin with. Logical consequences in love is the best way of redirecting undesirable behaviors if you ask me. It always constructive teaching to take place and more hands on with correcting undesirable behaviors. I'm also an ignore Queen when need be to verbal and harmless behaviors that are not acceptable lol... Great video Ms. May you're truly one FAB Teacher, loooovvvve you😍❤😍❤😍❤!!!!

I agree with you! I truly believe that, if you base your class management on respect and talk to the kids in a nice, sensible, respectful way, they do understand. I try to apply that in my class, and although I still need to improve, I can see it really works well. Kids are not dumb, so we should not treat them as if they couldn't understand basic values and that there will be logical consequences for their choices. Thanks for being an inspiration!

Ms. Mae I love your videos!!! I'm just starting my first year of any teaching and I really appreciate all of your wisdom. I'm still trying to figure out everything

I love this. I haven’t even started my first year teaching and I can’t stand that clip chart so ineffective

I love your approach to dealing with behavioral challenges in the classroom. Thank you for sharing this video!

As a first year teacher, I am so grateful that I found your page! I have been watching Ms. May marathons! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

You're right Miss May I don't believe in the no-recess policy either. I'm an Instructional Aide for Special Education in Middle School and we have students with ADHD. It does not help these children need to release all that energy and not stay inside the classroom at their desks.

Miss May you are wonderful! Thank you for all your wise tips 😊👍🏻

I love this video so much! Honestly, the losing recess with no function breaks my heart, i was observing and volunteering in a class for firsties (such cutie pies!! Though junior high/middle school is still my happy place) as part of my intro to education class last semester, and the kids were pretty squirley thanks to it being near the end of the day and almost time for recess. Add me, a guest in the classroom, and... well... the teacher lost her patience and the kids lost their recess that day. And then the behavior got worse. And then they lost recess the next day. I felt so bad for the kiddos because gee, it's almost like 6 and 7 year olds have energy after being stuck at tables and chairs all. Day. Long. There was no, "i'm very disappointed with everyone's behavior, so before we go to recess we're going to practice how to behave when we have a guest." Nothing! Just "i'm very disappointed, no recess!" I really wanted to speak up for them, especially the kids who had done nothing wrong :( but unfortunately, not my circus, not my monkeys...

You have it because you have already taken the time to build relationships and they don’t want to disappoint you. Great job! 😍 Those of us that create bonds can create a different class culture. Thankful for teachers like you!

I am so thankful for your channel:)) I struggle most with the consequence part because I get heated and mad. I give crazy consequences & then I feel trapped getting out of it. I'm not sure if that makes sense. This year, I will try walking away and address it later. Thanks for the advice.

My first year as a teacher, I had the largest class in my school with over half the students demonstrating serious behavior problems. I started the year with logical consequences, but since their behavior was so serious, the principal told me I had to use a clip chart. I honestly believe it did nothing to help the kids. If anything, the ones getting in trouble just did so more publicly. I wish I had been given more time to implement logical consequences with that class. I have never used a clip chart again.

Ms.May, just found your channel yesterday and I am glad that I did. Veteran high school teacher of 23 years here who is loving your content and your enthusiasm. Most of all, I am loving your love of Jesus!...keep the faith. We don't start school in New York for another three weeks but your videos have this guy even more excited to get back to it! Peace In Christ.

Just wanted to say that I am a first year teacher and am going to be teaching first grade. Your videos have been so helpful to me in learning on what to do and what not to do this year. I've been so nervous and your videos have made me feel a lot more confident! Thank you so much for posting all of these videos for teachers!! xoxo

I don’t use clip charts either.. I love your style and you are so motivating.. I am entering my second year teaching and I have been watching you since last year. You’re amazing! Thank you for your advice!

yes! i agree with you on recess, kids need to get their energy out, they need to run around and play! i have a kid with really bad adhd & once my coworker took away his whole recess but then i was the one who had to deal with his anger at missing recess and the resulting extra energy.

This is sensible and some teachers don’t do sensible! I love your videos. I’ve been sending them to my daughter who is a teacher. She’s like you! And you are stinkin’ adorable too! 😊👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Lol Ms May, if you spoke to me like you did that hand I would be the best student all the way through University. Love your teaching approach. We need you here in the Bahamas.

You are amazing!! I've been teaching over 30 years and you are RIGHT ON!!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful spirit :)

Wonderful, thank you, thank you, thank you! Those relationships with students are SO important. I am so ready to get into MY HAPPY CLASSROOM! Love You!🙂

Hello. It is an awesome approach the logical consequences. I will definetelly put it into practise in my class. Thanks for inspire us ALWAYS!!!! Love you so much.❤❤❤❤ Blessings from Argentina. Miss Miriam

My first day is tomorrow! I can’t wait to teach these third graders and use ALL of your amazing guidance and advice. Best of luck to you this year Miss May! You are such an AMAZING inspiration to me. xxxx

HI Ms. May your video on logical consequences is very meaningful, because when often when students lose things like recess, P.E. sitting on the bench.... they really are just become angry about not participating, but they tend to come back to our classes with more anger and repeat the offense because it wasn't dealt with directly. I had a child this year (his behavior was extreme!) I tried to use logical consequences and he just said, "I'm not doing that!" and that's when I had to try something else, but as I continued using logical consequences with him a lot and I mean a lot it paid off. He was asking could he sit with other kiddos (where he was very isolated in the beginning of the year). He did not form health connections with peers. He cursed the kids out and me the teacher and even once hit me (so he did have a suspension or two), but as the year progress I tried to know his interests and also know his triggers, but yet I stayed consistent with using logical consequences when he exhibited certain behaviors. Overtime I began to notice his behavior changed part of this I believe because like you said he didn't get the responses he was looking for. Yes his behavior was an extreme case in my class and he was a child who had external issues and many of these kiddos do. I wanted to share about him because the transformation is remarkable. This was a work in progress in June, but even in June he was chosen as a student of the week and had an opportunity to go on the Game Truck with other Star Student Scholars in our school. Last, I also discipline with logical consequences generally and it does work. It does help when you bond with your students because they really care if they know you care. This is a beautiful video that I wish every principal and teacher should watch! Yes my principal believes in those clips. She has suggested them but its not mandatory and I do not use them. Thanks a lot (I'm loving it)!

Great advice! Relationship building is #1 in my book! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for sharing. I totally agree with you!!! Consequences should not mean harsh punishment or humiliation. Teach Ms. May! You ARE One Fab Teacher!!!!

My 7 year old is struggling and has had 10 minutes off recess and when talking to him about it he says he'd rather not go outside for recess anyway. Some kids have undiagnosed adhd so consequences often don't help at all. My chikd said he wants to get his teacher a gift for Christmas so she will stop yelling at him. So clearly public shaming isn't helping either. I recently quite working to stay at home with him but we are still struggling. Thank you for everything you do and deal with.

I'm a mom of three and about ready to step into teaching a first grade class at my kids school and I have to say all your methodology is what I use in my own home to teach my own kids. I also think it's biblical in nature (don't respond to foolishness with foolishness like it says in Proverbs...aka: don't argue with a child; natural consequence to teach respect for people who are God's creation (clean up the bathroom if you mess it up). I am so so thankful to listen to your videos!

This is excellent, and I totally agree with you about the flip chart. I believe that the logical consequence is an awesome teaching moment for children to make the right choices.

Fully agree with you ... children NEED recess! I feel it is important for there to be a correlation between the problem and the consequence. Missing recess has nothing to do with playing in the bathroom or talking back.

I love how you prioritize the relationship with the student. That's something that wasn't emphasized for me, when I was a TA. Most of the time, I was told that I had be harder on the students, let out my harsh side. I wonder if trying to focus on maintaining a relationship with the class would have helped me feel less frustrated when I tried to manage the class? Even though my school has us use clip-systems (traffic light system), I will definitely take some of your notes to heart bc I want to lovingly help my students grow from their mistakes. Thanks again for sharing!

Another great video! I agree, I believe taking away recess is counterproductive. Thank you for the great ideas.

Thank you! I’ve tried class dojo and have eyes clip charts but I found tracking points up and down to be tedious at best and ultimately very negative. The negative behaviors take over the positive. I had a class last year though that had members who would only respond if there was some kind of reward system. How sad is that. I totally agree with natural consequences. It just makes sense and is far more effective as you said. I added an extra element of a long term reward that could accumulate over the term with a class benefit at the end. Easier with older kids for sure. Thanks for the refresher and reminders of the pitfalls! Happy teaching. We have one more month before we go back. We stay in school until the last day in June.

Recess is definitely needed! Teaching kids that have not had recess does not work, plus they're kids and need play! We had a student misbeving towards his classmates during break this year, but instead of taking recess away we had a discussion with the kid and agreed that he would stay in our more closely monitored courtyard zone (we have three zones, the others are a forest and then the swings and football pitch and are too big for constant monitoring of specific students) for the rest of the week to 'reboot' and then he was able to choose freely again. It was a logical consequence decided in collaboration with the student, which I agree is much more appropriate than taking recess away! Just found your channel and am enjoying your great videos - keep up the good work!

I hope I can do this next year when I have my own classroom! This is exactly how I feel about classroom management. But I’ll be teaching upper or middle school 😬

Studies show that taking away recess in ineffective and doesn't curb misbehaviors in class. I believe consequences should be educational in nature. Yours make perfect sense in that way!

This is something a lot of teachers needed to hear. I"m a college student, student teaching with a teacher and my teacher had nooooo discipline. Them kids walked all over her. It was sad.

thank you for this video!! I really struggle with managing behavior and consequences. I'm still learning because I'm in the teaching program currently, but this video helps!

You’re amazing. I am so grateful for you and your videos right now. I’m a first year teacher and I’m teaching first grade.

Yes!! So many teachers call the student out in front of everyone else! Most times this is what the child seeks...attention. I love that you do it discreetly! I agree that taking recess away doesn’t help but I struggled to find logical consequences when I taught.

Great advice! It is so true that students and parents are not like they used to be...

I think it depends on the situation. I work at a preschool. I usually will have a child that may sit out of outdoor time according to their age. Which is 4 or 5.While they are sitting down, I will sit with them and ask them do they know why they are sitting down and I will explain my expectations of them and give them a hug and they go on and play. I have been very successful thus far. But, I love your logic on consequences, I will implement that this upcoming school year.

Just found your channel! I can't wait to binge watch all your videos!

I totally agree with the ignoring technique. I also understand that, that behavior is an out cry for something else going on with that child. After I give my kid the choice of leaving or staying, if they decide to leave, I have a chat with them later about what happened. We discuss what they were feeling at the time and how they can appropriately address that issue and how they are expected to behave from now own. I want my kids to be able to trust that I am there for them when they need to get things off their chest 🤗

I definitely agree with you about the logical consequences. They are much more effective than standard punishments. I've never had a clip chart or any formal behavior system, just logical consequences. There is one way that I think a recess can be used as an effective consequence. If I have a student (or students!) who is repeatedly fooling around and socializing during work time, I may assign them laps at the beginning of recess. The way I look at it, the consequence is logical because they lose some of their social/play time for socializing/fooling around in class, but it keeps them moving, so they still get the physical outlet they need. Thank you for sharing! I really enjoy your videos!

Yes I love your logical consequences strategy rather than punishment. Good thinking!!!!! I would definitely allow a student to have time out so they can take deep breath and calm down especially after a teacher finish teaching a lesson. I definitely don’t believe in taking away recess time it only makes or put a child in a worst position to make them act out worst than before. I believe in allowing them to sit out for a few minutes and see if they have learned their lesson on their bad behavior or have them think about what they done wrong that got them there and once that have fully understood that then I believe allowing them to go play. I also love how you say u would pull student outside the classroom for a pep talk to help them clean up their act. Rather than embarrassing them in front of the class. I also would use a chart call a conduct behavior chart I would use that chart and call it whatever the mascot for that school and then do like Unsatisfactory, Need Improvement, Satisfactory using emoji or with their names in the correct conduct positions . And if the have chosen bad behavior then I would have to move a letter grade down so as their conduct. So if a student have a B and the did something wrong I move it down to a C based upon how many strikes or warnings that they gotten. I want to be the teacher that tries not to lose her temper when I’m upset but still have to do consequences so they makes better choices.

Thank you for outlining the kind positive approach to behavior consequences.

Love your advice!! I need to practice my sternness!

This was so inspirational. Thank you!

I was just looking for something like this! Thank you for sharing!!!!!

Thanks for sharing Miss May! I shall try this! ❤️

What you start talking about at 9:15 is so very true. Society, and parenting, is so different and many times we teachers feel like we have many added layers of teaching we need to teach our students besides just the academics, like you said. It’s a heavier load for us. Sometimes I feel like I’m having to rear these children FOR the parents. It is a great burden and responsibility and it is over and above what “should” be required. The only way a teacher can sustain this is to be able to match this with greater amounts of love and passion for the children, families, and the sure knowledge that we are not only sowing seeds in the mind and hearts of these children for now, but can make a positive difference in the course of their whole lives. The rewards of teaching, right?!

I love your advice !!

my teachers are also really good at social talk, there helpful and nice and they often solve the problem with you really easily

Thank you. This was a long due video. I hope it will be of great help for the new and returning teachers. Hope you have a wonderful school year.

You are seriously the best!! So inspiring!

I love this philosophy! I love an immediate, natural consequence! Thanks.

you dont argue with them, thats totally right, i am in 8th grade and a lot of my teachers are really bad at ignoring and they just argue and it just causes classroom stress, but also remember to make sure your treating your kids well and fair, like explaining why is important and making sure they feel heard and happy

I appreciate this video so much! I am starting my second semester of student teaching in a couple of weeks and I had such a miserable experience in my first semester that I've been extremely anxious about it (literally having nightmares or not sleeping at all). The mentor teachers I was with last semester always just yelled at the kids and it never solved any of the extreme behaviors (first graders kicking, punching, threatening to kill each other) and it made me extremely uncomfortable on top of it. I was told by one teacher that I just have to get over the fact that in order to be a teacher, you have to be "kind of a bitch." I actually had an observation that went terribly because three students spoke over me the whole time and literally got up and started jumping around and I ignored them because they were in the back and were more distracting towards me than the other students, and I complimented other students on doing the right thing/making wise choices and my professor told me that highlighting the positive students seemed like I was "nagging" the others. That was pretty frustrating to me, and the whole experience kind of ruined teaching for me. Thankfully I had a couple of months off between practicum experiences so that I could rediscover why I'm doing this in the first place, and the things that were said to me are wrong and I don't need to yell at students or be "kind of a bitch." I've always pulled students aside when they're making a questionable choice and I've been criticized by mentor teachers because they clearly enjoy humiliating the students. This video was exactly what I needed to feel better about student teaching again. Thank you!

Love it. I hate clip chart...20 years teaching and never used...I hate dojo...like a cop following you when you drive..you are only good while they are there. Awesome job teacher!!!

I totally agree with you about not arguing with the child when they make a bad choice and talking about that behavior and giving them a logical consequence. I highly recommend reading the book “The Secret to classroom management” by Michael Linsin. It’s about using 3 rules, 3 consequences and No rewards. No candy, no toys, no stickers…nothing!

MISS MAE THANK YOU! I am a first year teacher from Indiana and I start Aug 20th! This video was incredibly helpful! More please:)

you are awesome i just started following you and i think i have watch most of your videos they are so good and you are an amazing teacher we really need more teachers like you

Please host a professional development seminar or something. Your content is amazing and so pure. You are helping my first year teacher self over here!

Thank you for sharing your "Logical Consequence" tips. This is perfect for myself, who is a substitute teacher ☺️

You are so awesome! I LOVE your consequences and relationship building.

Thank you for this video! I am having trouble knowing when to inform parents when their child has misbehaved. I did away with my clip chart this year (we’ve begun the new year already) but feel that somehow their parents need to know of poor choices. When is the right time - how many misbehaviors warrant telling their parents? I struggle with that because I feel like they are teaching moments, however, often it’s the same behaviors as well. Thank you!

Amen! Consequences that match the behavior.