Let’s talk about: behaviour
Let’s talk about: behaviour
I get it, behaviour is a whole thing. After 10+ years as an educator, I have seen some things!
Teachers are supporting kiddos that are experiencing more difficulties than ever whilst also being expected to do more than ever. Between stressed out parents, stressed out teachers, technology and a choc-a-block curriculum, guiding behaviour is getting trickier by the day. (Also a snapshot of why educators are leaving the profession in droves!)
So here is my 50 cents on behaviour and a run down of the deliberate steps I take so my incursions run smoothly.
*context- During an incursion, I have a very small window to get students to ‘buy in’ to what I am selling. And, lucky for me, I’m selling a heap of fun! As an incursion provider, I offer an experience most children want to be a part of. Unlike a handwriting lesson... But that doesn’t mean I haven’t given careful consideration to how I manage behaviour. Every phrase, intonation, action and instruction has been deliberately crafted to be effective, whilst also honouring the child as a fully formed individual human person.
✅ behaviour management starts before the students enter. I am prepared and ready. When they see me, I greet them warmly with a smile. This applies to your classroom too. A warm greeting when every child walks in the door goes a long way to building a positive connection and rapport.
✅mat expectations: young children (and even adults!) can not sit still and listen for long periods of time. Just watch how your colleagues behave in your next staff meeting… It is completely unrealistic for 6 year olds to sit still, not move and not talk. AND I am so fed up of seeing teachers micro manage children on the mat to do this very thing. It is a waste of everyone’s energy. Instead of whole body listening 🤮 I say this instead: ‘Sit where your body is comfortable, you are able to listen and have your own personal space.’ It is action based and achievable.
✅engagement: this is where my explicit teaching skills shine! I use actions, frequent student responses and pace to move swiftly through the mat session. When students are participating in what you have asked, they are less likely to be engaging in distracting behaviours. Don’t forget, all children, and especially neurodivergent children, thrive in interest based experiences. So if it’s engaging, they are more likely to play ball!
✅positive phrasing: the two rules I share with students are positive geared! I tell them what they can do and they are broad enough to ‘catch’ most undesirable behaviours: play gently/ tell me if anything is broken. Not only are these simple directions but they also allow space for student agency. I do not have time to micromanage these kiddos (and neither do you!), so I trust they can do it. Guess what… they can! I also say ‘thank you for playing gently’ a LOT to encourage that behaviour (even if they are mostly definitely NOT playing gently).
✅flexibility: if that kiddo needs to stay at that one station, I let them. If they need to take an item to the side, I let them. My incursion is busy and noisy, and I know not all kiddos cope with this, so I am very flexible in responding to their needs.
✅playfulness: a sense of humour can be a great tool to de-escalate situations and build rapport. I make it very clear that I will encourage and participate in their play. Being playful is a shortcut for me in making a connection with the students, which will in turn support behaviour. So join in!
I come to every school ready to navigate any behaviour thrown my way. I have tools and strategies to support your students. Every choice I make in the incursion is deliberate. (this means you don’t have to go overboard correcting behaviours!)
So in short, make sure your behaviour expectations are realistic and age/ stage appropriate, create an engaging learning environment through explicit teaching techniques and use deliberate and positive language. Put whole body listening in the bin and STOP micromanaging your kids (100% used to be me 🫠).
Let me know which tool you find the most helpful in guiding behaviour.
Have fun playing in the past!