Demonstrate to the children how and why a time-out occurs. Play the part of the naughty student and go through each step so the children fully understand there will be a consequence to their inappropriate behavior. Do not waver. Make sure the children recognize that this will be the consequence of misbehavior and you will follow through regardless of the situation. For instance, if the class is in an assembly and the student is being disruptive, send him to time-out.
Explain briefly to the student exactly why she is being sent to time-out. Use a calm but assertive tone. Be sure the student understands that it was the writing on the classroom wall or talking during a lesson that earned the time-out. Be brief and concise and send the student on his way to the time-out. This is not a two-way conversation. Hold the lectures, instead allowing the punishment to stand alone.
Supervise the time-out to be sure it is done properly. If the student is in the classroom serving his time-out, watch him to make sure he's not sitting when he should be standing. Check on him regularly if this is an out-of-classroom time-out. Give an extra minute for every time he breaks the time-out rules and briefly explain why he is getting the extra minute.
Prevent the student in the time-out from participating in class while he is in the time-out. Continue on with the lesson as planned. The disciplined child should not be able to sing the songs or raise his hand to answer a question. Be sure the rest of the class ignores the student as well. Never hold a grudge against the offending student. Assure the student that after the time-out is completed, he may fully participate in the classroom activity once again.
Have fun while the student is in the time-out. You want the child to feel as though she is missing something so she is eager to continue participating. This may make her think twice before causing a disruption and missing all the fun again.