Review the classroom rules with the students. Inform them of the rewards and consequences that will be provided if the rules are or are not obeyed. Consistently carry through with the rewards and consequences so students will understand that you mean what you say. Many students will not attempt certain behaviors because of the consequences they observe others receiving when participating in those behaviors. Developing and maintaining a consistent schedule will also prevent certain behaviors from occurring.
Inconsistent schedules can and do lead to unwanted, undesirable responses.
A disabled child, for instance, may panic or become noticeably insecure when a schedule is changed without warning. The response may be incorrectly dealt with as an unwillingness to comply when in reality the child is confused and uncertain as to how to adjust to the new situation. It is important, therefore, to learn to distinguish between discipline problems and other struggles the child may be having. Immediate notification and frequent reminders of the change will help the child successfully adapt to the change. Short-term techniques are used when a child must be dealt with in the classroom immediately.