Let’s go back to George, the kid with the big mouth. He finally drags his feet to the time-out chair, but after a few minutes it starts–buzzing sounds, foot stomping, clapping, you name it. You’re in a dilemma because you don’t want to give him what he wants–your attention–but at the same time he’s disturbing your class.
Try switching gears on George, and do something different, like take away a privilege. You can explain to George that he doesn’t seem to know or want to follow through properly with time-out. It wouldn’t be fair to the other students if you let him off the hook, because they are trying much harder than he is. Perhaps it would be simpler for both of you if he lost a privilege the other children got–for instance, staying back from the skating rink outing, or letting him go to the rink, but not letting him skate. You can, if you think it’s appropriate, let George pick from two options. I suggest you do not exclude children from activities which target a problem they have. For instance, you’d be doing more harm than good by making George miss skating, if he already has problems getting along with other children.