Learning to handle “problem” students

My school is on a positive reinforcement kick, and while I do see the benefits in it, I have also been noticing that it lacks any sort of consequences for poor behavior.<br><br>I’m not saying I want a focus on punishment, but I think there should be some type of consequences for continuing poor behavior. <br><br>I have a student that I am having the hardest time with. He is very bright, but instead of doing his work, he constantly talks, makes jokes, and takes his time. I have a few students that are slower than him, and to be fair, it does take them longer to complete the work. <br><br>However, this student has the ability to do quick, good work. But it is constant pulling teeth with him to get him to do his work. I have talked to him multiple times, I have offered him extra recess if he finished his work quickly. I have tried taking his recess away, his free time after lunch (we have a 30 minute lunch and 30 “free time”). <br><br>Nothing seems to be working with him. He knows exactly how to charm and get me to give him his free time back. And he can be very sweet and genuine sometimes, but I can see him being manipulative. I can tell when he is being sincere and when he is being manipulative. <br><br>Any advice on how to handle this student? I do see a lot of potential in him, and it makes me sad that he is spending so much of his educational time doing things that aren’t important and aren’t really helping him.