Scenario for Role Play 8
Teacher role
Trudi was born to an unwed mother and abandoned by her father before she was born. She is an eight-year old second grader with an average IQ. Previously she attended a special class for the behaviorally disordered because she stole food, money and belongings of classmates. She lives with her mother and two half brothers whose father visits when he is in town. She appears to be neglected and inadequately fed at times. Her mother hates Trudi’s father for deserting them and you believe takes revenge on Trudi. When her mother punishes her for any behavior, Trudi reacts by urinating or defecating on her mother’s bed. Trudi has had many psychological tests. Trudi enters the room this morning arguing with some other students. You decide to talk to her.
Considerations
- Possible background information
- Behavioral causes
- Possible solutions
- Consider theories, models, or other information used to help guide your decision making
- Create a script for talking with Trudi
Student role - Trudi
You are an eight-year old second grader with average intelligence. You live with her mother and two half brothers. Your father abandoned you before you were born. Your mother was on one of her tirades about your no good for nothing father who left her with you and how little money she gets from the government to help buy food. You got ready for school and left as soon as you could. You did not have breakfast and were teased by some of the other kids on the playground about your clothes. You reacted by calling them names and yelling at them.
Teacher - Suggestions
Suggestions to encourage change from self-limiting behaviors to mastery oriented behaviors. See Conversations to change behavior
and possible verbal interactions and interventions.
Short term
- Talk with the student to try and allow them to acknowledge their actions.
- Teacher could speak with student to find what the student needs are and then try to meet them.
Long term
- Encourage the student when they work cooperatively with peers (reinforce incompatible behaviors).
- Suggest student and parent(s) visit a counselor or psychiatrist for family counseling.
- Teach the student how to interact with other children appropriately to meet their social needs.
- Refer the parent(s) to a counselor or psychiatrist for family counseling.
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