First, what exactly is Behavior?

Behavior can be defined as a way in which a person conducts themselves towards others.

Behavior is the act of acting out in verbal and nonverbal ways.

All types of behavior stem from an unknown case or situation. Behavior is a result of not having the appropriate coping skills needed to deal with a particular situation. In the classroom setting, dealing with behavior can create a very trying time for both the teacher and all students.

Behavior strategies can be implemented the help the student deal with his/her behavior

Behavior Strategies To Live By;

Before the occurrence of low to medium-level student behavior, it is essential to have steps in place that will help the behavior from occurring.

Increase Adult Supervision:

Adult supervision in a particular area within the school helps the teachers to track and monitor the behavior causes better. Using this strategy, tracking behavior incidents can be described better because the teachers will get a more accurate picture of the following information:

• Time Of Day The Behavior Occurred
• Events Leading Up To The Behavior
• Particular Location Of The Behavior

This information helps the teacher create a more precise plan for the student’s behavior because it shows them where to put positive reinforcements before the onset of the behavior.

Student Tasks Broken Into Manageable Chunks:

Breaking student tasks into manageable “chunks” is another method to utilize when dealing with behavior.

More often than not, students misbehave as an escape from something which could mean that it’s too hard for the student. If that is the case, it is important to break down large tasks into smaller more manageable chunks.

When doing this, the student does not feel as overwhelmed and allows the student to feel some success because the task is easier to complete. If the assignment is extremely large and chunking the information is not feasible, it is important to explain to the student that they will be able to have “fun breaks” during the assignment. This will allow the student not to become overwhelmed with the task at hand.

Offer Choices:

Another important strategy that can be implemented is to offer choices. When students are offered opportunities to make decisions about their learning, they are more likely not to display behaviors.

Many times when students feel they have a say in their education, they feel they have a sense of control over their own decisions which increases their off-task behaviors.

Previewing Rules And Behavioral Expectations:

Previewing rules and behavioral expectations is another way to manage behavior. When the rules and guidelines are written and explained, the students have a better understanding of what the expectations are.

This gives them something concrete to refer to, and daily review is also helpful. Implementing a classroom reward system is an excellent way for students to manage their own behavior too.

Classroom reward systems put the responsibility back on the students. They are responsible for their actions. Rewards are given for positive behaviors.

Many times students don’t know how to respond appropriately. When this occurs, behavior begins. Many times, teachers can help with this by teaching and offering strategies that will benefit the student.

Most of the time, behavior occurs when a student is unsure of what the expectations are or not understanding the assignment. When and if this happens, the teachers can address the problem by teaching the entire class the appropriate social skill needed to deal with that particular situation.

When teaching the entire class, the teacher is not isolating the one student with behavior. It does not put the blame on that student and teaches all the students at the same time.

Behavior Strategies are tools that can be used on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis. They are simple “tricks” that can be implemented with the entire class so learning and growing can take place. Behavior strategies are designed to help everyone.

What are some strategies you have found that help with behaviors? (Please share in the comments below)

~ Amanda