Consequence Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards in small groups. For each scenario, decide whether a natural consequence or a logical consequence is most appropriate, and propose an alternative if needed.

1. A student forgets their coat on a chilly day and feels cold during outdoor recess.
   
   

2. A student spills paint on the art table and leaves it without cleaning up.
   
   

3. A student repeatedly talks to a neighbor during independent reading time.
   
   

4. A student forgets to charge their school-issued laptop overnight and can’t participate in a digital lesson.
   
   

5. A student leaves PE equipment scattered on the gym floor and someone trips over it.
   
   

6. A student misses three homework assignments in a row.
   
   

7. A student loses the library book they checked out and its pages get torn.
   
   

8. A student refuses to work in a group, ignoring peers’ requests to collaborate.
   
   

9. A student uses their phone in class after being reminded to put it away.
   
   

10. A student forgets to water the classroom plant and it wilts.
    
    

11. A student writes graffiti on their desk during silent study.
    
    

12. A student consistently arrives late to class, missing the start of teacher instructions.

Natural vs. Logical Consequences Guide

What Are Natural Consequences?

A natural consequence is an outcome that happens without adult intervention when a student’s choice directly leads to a result. These consequences allow students to learn from real-world outcomes of their actions.

Definition:
The immediate result of a student’s behavior in a real context.

Examples:
• Forgetting a coat on a cold day → feeling cold outside
• Leaving a bike unlocked → bike gets stolen

What Are Logical Consequences?

A logical consequence is a teacher-designed response that is directly related to the misbehavior and helps the student learn responsibility.

Definition:
A consequence planned by the teacher that is
– Related: directly connected to the misbehavior
– Respectful: preserves student dignity
– Reasonable: fair in scope and duration

Examples:
• Leaving art supplies uncleaned → required to help clean up the art area
• Misusing a phone in class → phone temporarily held until end of day

Key Features

Natural Consequences

• Occur without adult intervention
• May be unpredictable in timing and impact
• Encourage personal responsibility by experience

Logical Consequences

• Designed and delivered by the teacher
• Clearly linked to the behavior
• Controlled, consistent, and teachable
  
  
  
  
  
  

Compare and Contrast

Natural vs. Logical
• Who initiates? Natural = environment/behavior; Logical = teacher
• Predictability? Natural = sometimes unpredictable; Logical = consistent
• Direct connection? Both are connected, but natural occurs spontaneously while logical is planned

Teacher Reflection

1. Describe a situation in your classroom where a natural consequence could occur.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Identify a common misbehavior and propose a logical consequence you would apply.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Action Planning

Two ways I can integrate natural consequences:
1.




2.

Two ways I can integrate logical consequences:
1.




2.

Reflection Prompt Handout

1. Key Takeaways

What is one insight you gained today about using consequences to teach?

2. Action Planning

List two specific changes you will implement in your classroom:

1. Natural Consequence strategy:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Logical Consequence strategy:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Anticipating Challenges

What potential obstacles might you face when applying these consequences, and how will you address them?

4. Commitment Statement

Write one sentence describing your commitment to using consequences that teach, and identify one next step you will take this week to follow through:

After completing this handout, post one key commitment on the Action Wall.