Connect then correct (brief repair after correction)
Aim (what it achieves)
Prevent resentment and ‘teacher hates me’ narratives after a boundary.
When to use
After a correction; after a detention; at the door at the end of lesson.
How to use (steps)
Teacher language (examples)
“We’re okay. Next time: comply first, then we talk.” “Fresh start tomorrow.”
Top tips (makes it work)
Keep it short; do it privately; focus on next lesson plan.
Common pitfalls
Rehashing the incident; sarcasm; demanding apologies publicly.
SEND/PP considerations
Crucial for SEND/PP students with rejection sensitivity; builds safety and trust.
Useful for these SEND needs
Relevant SEND Needs
Why this strategy helps
- Restores trust and readiness after incidents.
- Reduces cognitive load and supports completion.
- Supports regulation and relational safety.
Universal SEND-friendly: Yes
SEND-targeted: Yes
Tags
Sources
- Four Point Plan doc (internal)
- independentthinkingpress.com
Used in
Common Behaviour Issues (Behaviour Hub)
- Repair & Rebuild Chatting during teacher talk / instruction
- Repair & Rebuild Chatting during independent work
- Repair & Rebuild Calling out / interrupting
- Repair & Rebuild Off-task / fiddling / low-level distraction
- Repair & Rebuild Low-level defiance / arguing / 'No' (mild)
- Repair & Rebuild Attention seeking / clowning / minor disruption
- Repair & Rebuild Peer friction / bickering / low-level conflict
Related strategies
Relationship banking (planned positive micro-interactions)
Build trust so corrections land without escalation.
Reframe identity (separate student from behaviour)
Stop students internalising ‘I’m bad / teacher hates me’ after correction.
Restorative micro-conversation (3 questions)
Repair harm and restore learning relationships quickly.
Re-entry script (fresh start + first step)
Reintegrate students positively after conflict or sanction.
Collaborative problem solving (Plan B meeting)
Solve recurring problems by identifying triggers and lagging skills.
Adult repair (when we got it wrong)
Model respect and reduce ongoing conflict after a teacher misstep.