PP Strategy 6: STAR Technique
The STAR Technique is an effective strategy for helping students consider possible responses before choosing a behavior, and then consider the results of their action. When students need to make a decision, teach them this technique.
Student Example:
If get my hat back and end up with an enemy, it’s not good enough. On the other hand, if the other kid ends up liking me and I don’t get my hat back, that’s not good enough either.
 |
STOP |
The first step is for the student to stop. Many students respond instantaneously and automatically. If students continually make automatic responses, they have limited response-ability. |
|
THINK |
Students need to think through the ABCs: |
|
ACT |
I am choosing to ____________________________. |
|
REVIEW |
Students ask: Did my behavior get me closer to or further from my goals, and how did it affect those around me?
For example, If I get my hat back and end up with an enemy, it’s not good enough. On the other hand, if the other kid ends up liking me and I don’t get my hat back, that’s not good enough either. |
The STAR model was developed by B. David Brooks, Ph.D. The STAR model is used in many of the programs published by Young People’s Press, “The Character Education Publisher,” 3033 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92103 (
1-800-231-9774).
Question: What about the kid who takes the hat? He’s the one with the power problem. Shouldn’t we be doing something with him?
Answer: There are two major players in this situation: the student with the hat and the student who takes it. In this case the STAR Technique helps empower the student whose hat gets taken — the student who is also low in personal power. Strategies that help with students who intimidate, taunt, and put down others are presented in other modules. These strategies include Red Light/Green Light, Consequences, and Positive Student Confrontation.
More Key Information