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Whilst you may not necessarily be able to control its causes, you should be aware of some strategies you can use for managing challenging behaviour in the classroom. Here, we offer ten to help you do so.
1. Turn Negatives into Positives
Information and commands sink in better when we’re told what we should do, rather than what we shouldn’t. For example, we react much better to statements like “Thomas, please talk quietly” than “Stop shouting Thomas.” Framing your instruction positively, as opposed to negatively, will have much better results.
Furthermore, when a child behaves in a typically ‘negative’ way, identify their reasons for acting that way instead of just punishing them. Then, discuss alternative ways that they can achieve their desired outcome. For example, if they misbehaved because they wanted attention, establish a turn-taking system where they get plenty of opportunities to speak. Children will soon learn new behaviours when it helps them get what they want without punishment.
2. Teach Positive Behaviour
Rather than trying to completely remove unwanted behaviour, you should focus instead on facilitating the behaviour you want. Identify what counts as good behaviour and how you want your class to behave. Then, work on ways to communicate it.
Have a class discussion about positive behaviour and base an activity on it, such as creating reminder posters for the classroom. In doing this, you’re getting students involved in a stimulating activity rather than directly telling them what to do, which will have better results.
3. Model the Behaviour You Expect
Be a positive role model and behave in the same way you expect your students to. For example, if you ask your students to always be on time, make sure you demonstrate good time management. Similarly, if you ask students to be organised, ensure your organisation matches it.
You should also try to be considerate of your students’ feelings, just as you want them to be considerate of others’. If you feel an emotion that they feel, such as frustration, act out how you’d want them to respond: count to ten and then carry on.
4. Establish a Class Code of Conduct
At the start of a new school year, both you and your students should work together to establish a class code of conduct. Discuss the different types of behaviour that you think are acceptable and unacceptable and how you want students to act towards each other, such as ‘treat each other with respect’. Type this up and display it in the classroom so students can always see it.
Involving students in this is important, as it gives them a sense of ownership and in turn a greater commitment to following the code of conduct themselves.
5. Communicate Well
Always ensure that you communicate clearly and consistently. The way you phrase your comments can have a big impact on the way children perceive them. For example, you can try to:
- Preface your requests with ‘thank you’. For example, “Thank you for putting your crisps packet in the bin.” This is a closed request and doesn’t give the student any element of doubt to hold onto or argue with.
- Be specific. For example, “Hand your homework to me at the start of the lesson on Monday” is much more specific than “Hand your homework in on Monday”. In doing this, you have communicated to the student exactly what they should do.
6. Recognise Good Behaviour and Achievements
Most children misbehave from time to time – that’s just a fact of childhood. However, they also learn new things and make magnificent progress every day, and that’s an achievement in itself. When a child behaves well or completes a good piece of work, make it known. Tell them well done and show the rest of the class how proud you are. In doing so, other children are more likely to behave positively to get a similar reaction.
7. Proactively Develop Relationships
Take the time to get to know each of your students and build relationships with them. Talk about common interests, open a casual conversation, and always ask them how they are. You could even ask them for advice and recommendations on something, such as “I want to read a new book. Has anyone read any good ones recently?”
8. Have a Quiet Area
Establish a time out/quiet area in the classroom that students can go to when they’re displaying challenging behaviour. However, rather than making this an area for punishment, make it an area for reflection and calming down. Ask students to bring an item for the area, like a teddy or a picture of their pet, that they can use to bring enjoyment when they’re struggling to manage their behaviour.
9. Keep Class Disruptions Minimal
When you do have to call a student out on their behaviour, ensure you do it in a way that minimises class disruption. Shouting at a student in front of them will likely make them feel embarrassed about their behaviour. As a result, they’ll likely feel annoyed at you and won’t want to listen to what you say next. Instead, use a simple glance or a directed question to let them know that you’ve recognised their behaviour and there’ll be further consequences if they continue.
10. Communicate with Parents
Maintaining frequent communication with parents is essential for managing challenging behaviour. Keep them in the loop when their child has misbehaved, and ensure that they establish similar rules at home to the ones you have in school.
