Disrupt Detour

See how it works

At a glance

Time in class

2–3 minutes before a tricky moment

Prep

2 minutes: name the expected behavior in one sentence.

Materials

None

Grouping

Whole class

Use it when

Right before transitions, group work, hallway moves or anything that usually goes sideways

Why it works

Disruptions cluster at predictable times. Reminding students of the expectation right before the moment (called precorrection), practicing it and then praising students who do it prevents problems instead of reacting to them. This is one of the best-supported classroom management practices.

1. Name the momentBefore classExample: “moving into groups.”
2. State it20 seconds“In a minute we’ll move into groups. That looks like: push in your chair, walk, sit, materials out, voices at table level.”
3. Rehearse1 minute“Let’s practice. Show me, then come back.”Time it if you like.
4. Prompt5 secondsAs the real moment starts: “Remember: walk, sit, materials out.”
5. Notice it30 seconds“Table 3 had materials out in 20 seconds. That’s exactly it.”Name the specific behavior.

See it in action

Watch out for

• Vague expectations (“be respectful”): describe what it looks and sounds like.
• Skipping rehearsal: the practice is what makes it stick.
• Only noticing problems: praise the students who do it right, specifically.

Level up

• Time the rehearsal and try to beat it.
• Students write the expectation for the next tricky moment.

Make it work for everyone

• Multilingual learners: model it physically while you say it.
• IEP and 504 supports: give a private reminder or a picture card before the group reminder.

Tech option

Post the expectation on a slide as students move.

Resources