Scenario for Role Play 5
Teacher role
Irene is a most capable second-grade student. She comes from a middle-class family and has parents who are very concerned about her success in school. Irene causes few problems in the class other than her "storytelling." She makes up fantastic lies about her family vacations, toys she owns, people her family knows, etc. This morning you asked the class to tell about their vacation this summer. Irene told a story about her going to Disney World and hugging Mickey Mouse. The other students called her a liar and she burst into tears and sobbed, "I am not." You are going to talk to Irene.
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 Irene
Student role - Irene
You have just told a true story about your trip two summers ago to Disney World. You said that you gave Mickey Mouse a big hug, which you did. The other students called you a liar and you burst into tears and yelled, "I am not." There have been other times when you made up stories or changed details. This morning’s story was true except you lead the students to believe that it was this summer that you were in Disney World. You also know that the last time you cried most of the students felt sorry for you and they left you alone. You want the other kids to like you and you believe they like the other students when they tell good stories.
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
- Speak with student to find what the student needs are and try to meet them.
- Talk with the student to try and allow them to acknowledge their actions.
Long term
- Meet with the parent(s) to discuss the behavior. Does the behavior occur at home?
- Provide the student with the attention they desire in an acceptable manner.
- Suggest student and parent(s) visit a counselor or psychiatrist for family counseling.
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