We’ve all been there. When it comes to managing challenging behaviour, who hasn’t judged a child based solely on past experiences? Who hasn’t judged a child without giving them a second thought?
It’s incredibly easy as a teacher to stereotype a child as being ‘naughty’.
When a child is constantly found participating in negative situations, exhibiting negative behaviour, or breaking the rules, it’s easy to roll your eyes and think “Of course, it’s *insert child’s name* again. What a surprise!”.
I don’t know a teacher who hasn’t fallen victim to that thought pattern at least once in their careers. Sometimes it gets to a point where you accuse a child of a crime before you even know if they’re guilty!
But is that really fair on the child? Of course not!
Deep down, we know that this thought pattern isn’t the greatest way to manage challenging behaviour and create positive relationships with our students.
So, how can we change our mindsets from one of judgement to one of curiosity? Here are some tips on how, and, if I haven’t convinced you already, WHY you should do it.
Dealing with Challenging Behaviour
Digging deeper into challenging behaviour and getting to the root of the problem is imperative when it comes to behaviour management.
Changing your mindset to question instead of complain when presented with negative behaviour is a fantastic way to grow as a teacher, and improve your classroom culture.
You will benefit from it, and so will your students. So, how do you do it?
Separate the Behaviour from the Student
The first step in isolating WHY challenging behaviour is happening is to separate it from the child. Remember, every child matters and every child deserves a chance! It is unlikely that a child is exhibiting negative behaviour purely because they ‘want to’.
Separating the behaviour from the child helps you remind yourself that there may be one or more contributing factors as to why a child is behaving a certain way.
It can be so hard! I know this, very well. I once had a student who would make my life miserable on a daily basis… he would wander around during carpet time, scream in other students faces when they did something he didn’t like, and poke his tongue out at me when I reprimanded him. It was hard, day after day, to keep my temper and maintain calm. I had to learn to redirect my thoughts.
Why was he doing this?
Communication is the key here! Have a conversation with your student. Consider some of the following questions when looking for the source of their behaviour:
- Are they having a rough time in an area other than school?
- Have they been unwell?
- Did they not sleep well the night before?
- Are they processing something emotionally?
Try using some of the following phrases when discussing a child’s behaviour:
“I’d like to understand what caused you to behave that way… can you explain to me what you were feeling?”
“I like you, but I don’t like the behaviour you were just displaying. ”
“The consequences for that behaviour are… What behaviour could you choose next time?”
In the end, the child and I developed a deep understanding and respect for each other. By the time I left that school, he was one of my favourite students (not that teachers have favourites, of course!).
Remember, deal with the behaviour, not the student.
Use Positive Behaviour Management Strategies
Once you have addressed the motivation behind the behaviour, it’s a great idea to alter the learning environment slightly so you can provide positive support for the child in question.
The aim is for a child who is acting out to feel that the benefits of behaving positively are the driving factor in behaviour.
Encouraging positive behaviour creates a better classroom environment for all students! As well as this, showing respect to students and valuing students as individuals helps build mutual trust. It encourages students to work together as a team with the teacher to reach a common goal.
Building positive behaviour strategies starts with positive reinforcement! Students who feel supported and happy will be work in more proactive, positive ways to earn and keep your respect.
We have a number of appropriate resources to help you tackle this, either with individual students or your class as a whole in our Positive Reinforcement Learning Area.
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Other Great Reasons for Digging Deeper
Once you’ve got behaviour management down pat (or are getting closer to the ideal) then don’t forget to appreciate the other benefits to digging deeper into behavioural issues in your classroom!
Build Stronger Relationships
The process of getting to know your students, especially the tricky ones, means that you are likely to build stronger relationships. This is true for the students, but also with their families!
Parents of children who have behavioural issues may be experiencing similar issues at home. They may have also dealt with a number of other teachers bringing them the same news – that their child is causing problems at school.
Your proactive approach may be a breath of fresh air to them.
Showing parents that you are working to get to know their child and get to the bottom of the issue with the child’s input is a great way to gain their respect and support.
If a parent is experiencing the same behaviour at home, they may have strategies or insight that you can use – or you may help them in turn!
Create Learning Opportunities for Yourself
One of the best, and possibly most important, side-effects of digging deeper into challenging behaviour is the benefits it will have on yourself!
Digging deeper into challenging behaviour will help you become a better teacher.
Changing your mindset to one of curiosity is not going to happen with the flick of a switch. It takes practice and reflection – it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it!
Tackling challenging behaviour in a calm manner will help you professionally and personally:
- Working with troubled children will help you build your resilience.
- Trying to resolve challenging behaviour will stretch your problem-solving and communication skills.
- Finally, your patience will be put to the test again and again – which is great for strengthening this vital teaching tool!
Resolving challenging behaviour with a student will give you courage and motivation to do it whenever the opportunity presents itself to you. Your students will thank you for it!
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