There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to managing students’ behaviour in a classroom. Every student is different, and each teacher must find what works best for them. However, some general strategies can be helpful in most situations. This blog post will discuss five of the most critical behaviour management strategies for ECT teachers!
Related: For more, check out our article on Behaviour Management Strategies For Teaching Assistants here.
Reckless Praise
It is often said that children crave attention, and nowhere is this more true than in the classroom. When managing behaviours, it is essential to remember that all children want to be recognised for their efforts. One of the best ways to do this is through praise.
When children behave well, let them know you have noticed and appreciate their good behaviour. This will not only encourage them to continue acting in this way, but it will also motivate other children who see that they are being praised. As a result, praise can be an extremely effective tool for managing behaviours in the classroom.
From a very young age, children are constantly seeking approval from adults. Whether it’s a pat on the head for a job well done or simply a smile of encouragement, praise is essential for children. Research has shown that credit helps to boost children’s self-esteem and confidence, two critical ingredients for success in life.
Praise helps to motivate children to pursue their goals and continue working hard. Simply put, children crave recognition because it provides them with the motivation and encouragement they need to succeed. Given the importance of praise, it’s no wonder that children always seek approval from adults. So let’s make sure that we are giving it to them!
Related: For more, check out our article on How To Support Challenging Behaviour here.
Be Consistent
Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of their students. Not only do they provide academic instruction, but they also nurture positive character traits and teach essential life lessons. One of the most important things teachers can do is be consistent with their behaviour management strategies.
When children are constantly bombarded with mixed messages, it cannot be easy to know how to act. By maintaining a consistent approach, teachers can help their students feel safe and secure while providing clear expectations for behaviour.
When children know what is expected, they are more likely to meet those expectations. As a result, teachers who are consistent with their behaviour management strategies are more likely to see positive student outcomes.
Children need to know what is expected of them to behave appropriately. This includes knowing what the rules are and what the consequences are for breaking those rules. Children are more likely to behave appropriately when they know what is expected.
Related: For more, check out our article on A Comprehensive Behaviour Management Policy Example here.
Punishments must match the crime
When children need to be punished for their actions, the punishment must match up with what they did wrong. If a child causes a mess in the classroom and is punished by being sent to another school, the punishment does not directly link with the bad behaviour.
In this scenario, the child should be made to clear up the mess. Now I understand that schools have behaviour policies and a lot of the time warnings will be given and then time-outs. Procedures must be followed, but always ensure that children truly understand what they have done wrong so they can learn from it and not do it again.
Every school has its policies and procedures in place regarding behaviour management. It is essential that when using behaviour management strategies, we must always follow the school policies. This is to ensure that the systems are effective and that the students are safe.
A range of different strategies can be used, and each one will need to be tailored to the individual school’s policies. It is important to remember that no two schools are the same. So we must always consult the school before implementing any behaviour management strategy.
Points mean Prizes
In a classroom setting, students need to be able to focus and stay on task to maximise learning. However, young children can often be easily distracted, leading to disruptive behaviour. One way to motivate students to stay on task is to offer prizes and rewards for good behaviour.
Teachers can use rewards such as stickers, small toys, or extra recess time. By offering tangible incentives, teachers can help children to develop positive behaviours that will last well beyond the classroom. With a bit of creativity, prizes and rewards can be an effective way to motivate even the most challenging students.
At my current school, we have various rewards offered to help motivate the children. Stickers for general sound work in the classroom are the start. Then, if the child has completed some excellent job, they may show it to another teacher or senior leadership team member.
If the whole class deserves a reward, the teacher will put a ‘gem in the jar’. Then once a certain number of gems have been collected, the course will have a ‘treat’. This will be something that they vote for altogether; sometimes, it is extra break time, watching a film, an art activity, etc.
Communication with Parents
To effectively manage children’s behaviour, communication with parents is essential. By frequently talking with parents, children become aware that everything that happens at school, both good and bad, will be reported back to their parents. This knowledge can be a powerful motivator for children to behave well at school. In addition, parents can provide valuable insights into their children’s behaviour and how best to manage it.
However, it is essential to maintain a balance between communicating with parents and respecting their privacy. Too much communication may threaten the parent-child relationship, while too little touch can make it difficult to manage behaviour effectively. When used correctly, however, parent-teacher communication can be invaluable for behaviour management.
Many different strategies can be used to manage children’s behaviour in the classroom. It is important to remember that no two schools are the same. So we must always consult the school before implementing any behaviour management strategy.
By tailoring our plans to each school, we can ensure that they are effective and that the students are safe. With a bit of creativity, we can find ways to motivate even the most challenging students and help them to develop positive behaviours that will last well beyond the classroom.
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