Consequence = the concept of a resulting effect (cf. cause and effect, arising from another action. In general terms, it is used to indicate that all human actions have profound effects.

 

How many times in a school year do teachers and parents use the phrase, “you need to take responsibility for your actions”? There is no exact number that can possibly be quoted, but ‘quite often’ comes to mind. Over the last couple of weeks, Grade 4C have been discussing Responsibility, Irresponsibility, and Consequences. It is important to note as we discuss Responsibility and being ‘Responsible,’ positive consequences are explored and as we discuss Irresponsiblity and being ‘Irresponsible,’ negative consequences are considered.

Students as a group came up with the following for consequences:

Positive Consequences = some type of Reward

• Tangible rewards such as:

o Allowance

o Special gift,

o Outing of choice or dinner of choice

o Party etc

• Other rewards could include:

o Feelings of pride, happiness, courage

o Self accomplishment

o Earning of parental or teacher trust

o Etc. Negative Consequences = some type of Trouble

• Being grounded

• Having things taken away

• Feelings of hurt, disappointment, guilt

• Lack of trust etc

What happens when we act either Responsibly or Irresponsibly is like a linked ‘chain.’

These examples were linked together by the students:

If you are responsible and brush your teeth:

• You’ll have nice breath

• Less or no cavities

• No infections

• Teeth stay white longer and don’t go yellow

• Gums are protected

• No rotten teeth

• You won’t have to have teeth surgery

• Teeth are less likely to fall out

• Good report from dentist

• Fewer trips to the dentist

• You are healthier (because the germs in your mouth if you don’t brush your teeth can cause illness)

• Your mum and dad are proud

If you are irresponsible and waste time (i.e. don’t use time wisely):

• Everything has to be done at the last minute and rushed

• Things don’t get done

• You still have to do tasks later

• No play time; less fun time

• Teacher gets mad

• Becomes a bad habit

• Your parent is not proud

• You get in trouble

The pattern the Grade 4 students saw repeatedly was that when you are Responsible you will end up with some type of reward (positive consequence), but when you are irresponsible you will end up in some type of trouble (negative consequence).

For the elementary aged student it’s important to remind them frequently that they are the ones who make the choice to act responsibly or irresponsibly. So when we make the statement, “You need to take responsibility for your actions,” they understand exactly what it means. If you have any questions or would like suggestions on how to practice making ‘Consequence Chains’ please let me know.

Valerie Silberman, M.Ed.

vsilberman@acs-england.co.uk