My husband and I have seasons tickets to Fresno State football games. On game day,
certain streets are only one way while others may be closed to thru traffic. Cars and people are re-directed to help the traffic flow better. Re-direct defined is the action of assigning or directing something to a new or different place or purpose.
Re-direction is the second of two strategies that is underused. Some educators mistakenly think that they have to “punish” all behavior. Re-direction is one way to guide without punishment.
With students, change the situation that is contributing to inappropriate behavior. Re-directing provides information and redirects student how to do the same activity in a more acceptable or safer way. Redirection can offer an alternative, suggest a safer way of deal with emotion in an acceptable way. Redirection is most effective when “consistent” with the student’s motives, interest or needs. It may quickly resolve problems or conflicts. Ask yourself: What is the student’s motive, interest or need? The biggest three behaviors that are easily redirected are throwing, running and digging.
Correct Re-direction
| Situations | Redirection |
| 1. Digging in flower
garden or around trees 2. Throwing ball dangerously near window 3. Throwing something because of anger |
1. Offer an alternative. “You can dig in the school garden area,” or “You can dig in the sand box.”
2. Suggest Safer Way. “You’re too close to the portable window. Throw your ball over here so it won’t break the window.” 3. Deal with emotions in acceptable way. “I know you’re angry. You can throw the ball against the ball wall or do punching in the air.” |
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