ReThink It Behavior Modification Program Part 3

Helping Students Behave at School  
Ideas for School Counselors, Teachers, and Administrators

Step 1: You will find a helpful worksheet labeled:
“ Positive Choices Get Me This Worksheet”.

The first step is to build a relationship with the child and find out what they like to do. Everyone loves to talk about themselves and get positive attention (especially children).

This should be a happy activity that the child likes to do.  Ask the child to draw pictures in each of the sections of the worksheet.

You do not have to have all the sections filled in. Find out when the child gets to do the fun activities.

Get to know the child’s schedule and how often these fun activities happen.  

Step 2: Once the child has finished the “Positive Choices Make This Happen Worksheet” go to the “Step 2: Negative Choices Make This Happen Worksheet”.

Brainstorm with the child what can happen when they make poor choices at school.

Examples can include time outs, loss of recess, computer, visit to the principal, parent phone call, etc.

Ask the child to draw one thing that can happen in all, or some, of the segments.

Step 3: Choice Circles or Choice Squares Choice Circles (Best for Children age 9-12 years old): In step 3 the child gets to draw (or write) what they chose as a positive choice reward.

This can actually be something they would normally get for good behavior such as recess, computer time, etc.

Do the same on the side that ask for a negative choice. This might possibly be going to the principal, time out, etc.

There are two worksheet choices in the Choice Circles. Allow the child who is older (or more advanced) to use the 4 x 4 Choice Circles.

 This is also a possibility for middle school kids. Choice Squares (Best for Younger Children): The square offers only one positive and one negative choice.

This is the best choice to offer young children under 9 years old. The card can be changed each week to offer different choices.

As a matter of fact, it is good practice to change the rewards weekly. This weekly change keeps the child interested in the program.

Ask the child to draw the positive and negative choices. An adult can label the choices after the drawing is completed.

Extra Options:

ReThink Reminder Cards & Caught You With Good Behavior Cards Reminder Cards: These cards are an extra part of this program.

If you are a teacher you might want to carry some of these cards around with you. These Reminder Cards offer more visuals for students and helps them rethink a more positive way to behave.

Caught You With Good Behavior Cards: Give these out as much as you possibly can to create a positive atmosphere. It also shows you, the adult, are being positive towards the child.

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed  mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.