Reducing disruptive behaviors of elementary physical education students with sit and watch.

Two elementary PE teachers tried a new time-out called Sit and Watch.

When a child broke rules, the teacher walked him to the sideline.

The child sat alone for three minutes, then re-joined the game.

The study used a multiple-baseline design across two classes.

Disruptions dropped 95% in both classes.

Teachers liked the plan and said it was easy to run.

No extra staff or gear were needed.

Gulboy et al. (2025) later got the same big drop with the Good Behavior Game in middle-school inclusive rooms.

Duncan et al. (1972) and Harris et al. (1973) also hit 97-99% cuts using team games, not time-out.

All four studies show you can pick group games or quick solo time-out and still win.

White et al. (1990) found time-out failed during desk work but worked in free play—our PE setting matches their free-play win.

You now have two proven tools for PE chaos: a class-wide game or a three-minute bench break.

Try Sit and Watch first if you lack time to teach game rules.

One warning, one calm walk to the side, three quiet minutes, then back to play.

Use it Monday and see the same 95% calm that these teachers got.