TYPE OF CONSEQUENCE

DESCRIPTION

GOOD

A good consequence is usually as a result of good work or good behavior. For example, Zane decided to practice typing 15 minutes a day over the summer from the home row (ASDF-JKL;). Consequently Zane now types between 50 and 60 words per minute without looking at his fingers.

NATURAL

A natural consequence is a result of a decision that a person makes and the forces of nature. For example, if Freddy goes to the beach on a sunny day and he does not use sunscreen, the natural consequence is that Freddy will get sunburn.

LOGICAL

A logical consequence is when a person has an opportunity to make amends for their mistake or action. This means they have a chance to fix whatever damage was done, making sure to pay people back in order to regain their trust. For example if Gary spills his milk the logical consequence is that Gary will clean it up. Or if Ted borrows a book from Harry and then loses the book, the logical consequence is that Ted should buy Harry a new book to replace the one he lost.

LOGICAL

There are times when people must be reminded or instructed about their responsibility to make amends for their actions. Logical consequences provide learning opportunities for people because they reinforce appropriate actions and behavior. For example Mr. L. may quietly ask Jay to “take a break” because he is disturbing his neighbors. The break may be going to the SSR station to read for a few minutes, or to get a drink at the water fountain. The goal is for Jay to refocus and return to class ready to follow the rules.

LOGICAL FORMULA

PRIVILEGE = RESPONSIBILITY

LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY = LACK OF PRIVILEGE

Oliver’s parents gave him a cell phone to keep in his backpack to use in case of emergencies. Like most kids, Oliver was thrilled with the privilege of having a cell phone.

During the first few days of school Oliver and his classmates learned that students who had cell phones must keep them in their backpacks and may not take them out at school. Oliver’s classmates were discussing the rule before lunch, and talking about the different features of their cell phones. Oliver really wanted to show his phone to his friends, so he went to his cubby and reached into his backpack to get the cell phone. Oliver drew the attention of his classmates and his homeroom teacher Ms. H.

Oliver left Ms. H no choice but to take his cell phone away. Ms. H called Oliver’s parents after school to inform them what happened. Later that night Oliver’s parents told Oliver that he would lose the cell phone for at least a week or until they were certain that he would be more responsible about keeping it in his backpack while at school.

COMPOUND

A compound consequence is more than one consequence. Most people view compound consequences as logical consequences. Compound consequences result from a pattern of misbehavior, or misbehavior and a lack of effort to make amends. Compound consequences usually start with a loss of privilege combined with making amends and regaining the trust of others.

Vlad decided to swing his lunch box around in circles as he walked with his classmates to the Dining Hall. Mr. A. turned around and asked Vlad to stop swinging the lunchbox and go to the back of the line.

As the class entered the Dining Hall, Vlad decided to run to the front of the line so he could be first to get a tray. Mr. A calmly and firmly told Vlad to stay in the Dining Hall after lunch to do extra clean up. Vlad had to miss recess and do extra clean up in the Dining Hall. After that Mr. A. met with Vlad to discuss his behavior and what he would have to do to regain Mr. A’s trust.

UNFORTUNATE

UNFORTUNATE

LOGICAL

COMPOUND

Unfortunate consequences are when a person makes a good decision with a bad outcome. For example Vinny decided he would ride his bicycle to his friends house two blocks away. Vinny did not notice it but he rode his bicycle over broken glass. The unfortunate consequence was that Vinny’s bike had a flat tire. This meant Vinny would have to repair the tire, or take his bike to a repair shop.

Another type of unfortunate consequence is when someone forgets or overlooks something that is important. A classic example was when Bobby left his passport at home before the family trip to China. The unfortunate consequence was that the family missed the flight and his father had to pay for rescheduling their airline tickets. Bobby felt terrible because he believed there was no way for him to make up for his mistake. Bobby’s parents knew he was upset, and they wanted to give him a chance to learn from this experience. 

After giving it some thought Bobby’s parents decided he would have to make amends for the unfortunate consequence of leaving his passport home. First he was to make a list of all of the items he had packed for his trip to make sure he did not forget anything. The list was to be neatly written with numbers next to each category of clothing. This meant Bobby had to unpack and repack his suitcase, which took some time, but it was worth it. Bobby discovered he also forgot to bring his pajamas!

Bobby was also told when he finished making the list to ask each family member if there was anything he could do to make up for his forgetfulness. Everyone told Bobby not to worry about it except for his brother, who asked him to give up his Guitar Hero game for the night and turn over his chewing gum.

Later that night Bobby’s parents met with him to check the list of items he packed in the suitcase. Bobby’s parents said the list reflected good organization skills. As a final consequence for his forgetfulness, Bobby’s parents gave him the responsibility of double-checking to make sure each member of the family had their passports before, during, and after the trip.

PUNISHMENT

L

A punishment is intended to make a person pay for their action by making them feel bad for what they have done.

Punishment involves blame, shame and pain.

Punishment does not give people an opportunity to make amends for their actions.

Victor’s parents overheard him use foul language during a baseball game. Victor’s parents spoke to him immediately after the game about how his language embarrassed his teammates, his family and ultimately him. Victor apologized for using foul language, but his parents said he would be punished. Victor was not allowed to go to the team pizza party that night, and he was made to go to his room for the rest of night to think about his behavior.

Two days later Victor’s parents learned from his teacher that he had used foul language at school. When Victor came home from school that day his parents told him that he would be grounded for the rest of the month for using foul language again.

As part of his punishment Victor would not be allowed to play baseball, watch TV, use the computer (except for homework), or call/text his friends. 

EXCEPT

Zane’s good keyboarding

Oliver’s cell phone

Freddy’s sunburn

Vlad’s Dining Hall behavior

Gary’s spilled milk

Vinny’s flat tire

Ted’s lost book

Bobby’s passport

Jay takes a break

Victor’s foul language

The Decision Education Foundation Web site says people can improve the chances of a good outcome if they use the elements of the Good Decision Chain.

The Responsive Classroom program recommends the use of C.A.R.E.S. to support others and make amends for consequences.

GOOD DECISION CHAIN

FRAME

Being clear on the problem I am solving.

INFORMATION

Using the best information I can gather.

VALUES

What is really important to me?

ALTERNATIVES

Being creative and realistic about my choices.

REASONING

Does the choice make sense?

COMMITMENT

Having the will to take action.

C.A.R.E.S.

COOPERATION

Working together and following the rules.

ASSERTIVE

Confident and direct when dealing with others.

RESPECTFUL

Demonstrating consideration for others.

EMPATHY

Showing interest in the thoughts and feelings of others.

SELF-CONTROL

Watching your behavior and staying under control.

Your Name

Date

Character Education

Consequences

     The consequence of Oliver’s decision was that he lost the privilege of using his cell phone. Oliver may have improved his chances for a better outcome if he […write about two elements from the Good Decision Chain.] I think Oliver may get his cell phone back because he used […write about two C.A.R.E.S.] Oliver can make better decisions in the future if he uses elements from the Good Decision Chain, and minimize any consequences of his actions by using C.A.R.E.S.