SHOWTIME
When structure decreases so does stress. True or False
False - when structure decreases, stress increases
Paraeducators responses in the classroom shape students' behavior and engagement. True or False
True
A paraeducator should position themselves extremely close to a student while supervising them. True or False
False-this could make student feel uncomfortable and increase anxiety
Paraeducators should supervise students from one spot True or False
False - supervision is active not stationary
Maintaining a calm and neutral tone will escalate a situation with a student. True or False
False - remaining calm and neutral can help to de-escalate a situation
What is Downtime?
Unstructured or loosely structured time in the classroom
When is active supervision most challenging for paras? Why?
all acceptable answers
What is a potential negative outcome of leaving materials out after an activity instead of cleaning up.
inappropriate use of materials
Students may use them instead of doing their work
Break or lose materials
During free-choice time, a student is sitting alone, not engaging with any materials, avoiding eye contact, and not responding when peers try to interact.
Would you like to do something together?”
I'm starting this puzzle, do you want to help me?
Your student begins breathing heavily, rocking intensely, and muttering after a schedule change.
-validate feelings and show empathy "I can see this change is hard"
-offer choices (coping tool or break)
Name two behaviors that you might observe in a room where students are not engaged in learning.
aggression towards others self-harm
impulsive, unsafe movements
students leaving workspace
students sleeping attention seeking behaviors
What are the three types of "ACTIVE SUPERVISION"?
SCAN
MOVE
ENGAGE
How can high noise levels affect students during downtime?
Noise can overstimulate students, distract them, or increase off-task behavior.
Model two safe standing positions paras should take when a student's emotions and behaviors are escalated.
feet wide or in stepping feet position
arms at your side or behind your back
maintain 3 feet of separation
Your student pushes their work away and says, "I'm not doing this."
-speak calmly and positively "Would you like to do the first problem together?"
Name three behaviors paras engage in when there is downtime in the room.
conversations with other staff
eating
phone usage personal business
sleeping focusing on only one student
unscheduled breaks
Name two behaviors paraeducators do that trigger or ignite a negative response or agitation from students.
aggressive tone sarcasm
arms crossed ignoring
invade personal space
give directives or make demands too soon
remove/take away preferred items
Why is poor lighting an environmental concern during downtime?
Too bright, flickering, or dim lighting can cause discomfort, overstimulation, or encourage hiding/disengagement.
Model three unsafe standing positions paras should NEVER take when a student's emotions and behaviors are escalated or any time.
feet crossed or close together
leaning or balancing on furniture
arms crossed personal space is violated
back to students distracted by phone/others
Your student makes a blunt comment that upsets a peer. The peer reacts negatively.
approach both students and provide separation
-calm tone (1 "That sounded hurtful. Let's talk about another way to say that." 2 "I understand why you're upset."
Name three activities that can easily transform "Downtime into Showtime"
MORE PRACTICE I SPY
READING "DO THIS"
PICTURE POKE ITT fun
PHYSICAL MOVEMENTS GAMES
How can paraeducators use active supervision to prevent escalation of behavior?
By noticing early warning signs and intervening before the behavior becomes more serious.
When two students are becoming agitated with one another from opposite sides of the room, what is the best immediate response in active supervision look like?
MOVE-create separation between the two students/stand between them, eye contact from 3 feet
A paraeducator redirects a student to stop an activity. The student becomes upset and says loudly, “You’re being mean!”
all solid answers acceptable
A student is finished his work and now is being loud making it hard for the others to focus
I'm happy you finished your work but we need to let our friends finish. Can I help you find something to do quietly?