So, to the harsh reality of the heading of this article. If they're not behaving then you're not doing it right.... Oh Liz, that really is harsh. Maybe it is harsh - but it's true.... Either as a school (and kids' behaviour should be an all school issue) or in individual classrooms, if behaviour isn't improving (and presumably people want it to?) then something is being done wrongly. The great thing is though, anyone can learn the skills to effectively manage children's behaviour. As I've written before - skill and confidence are the keys to success.
It's exactly the same as any other skill or technique that you want to master. You have to know what to do, practice doing it, and then keep on doing it and taking it on a step further to extend your knowledge, skill and confidence. I've been practising my skills for years now - if you've read Behaviour Bible you'll know about my first day dealing with children's extreme behaviour. Well, strictly speaking I wasn't dealing with it. It was a complete disaster - dreadful. I hadn't got any idea what I was doing. I was at the same stage as many people I talk to and observe now.
I knew that I had to learn to manage the behaviour being presented but there wasn't anywhere I could learn - no courses. I was on my own and it took me quite a long time to establish what was needed. But, I realised I had to make big changes and build skills that would make me successful. These behaviour management strategies are what I use every day in my classes and I also pass on my knowledge to others in schools and classes - and improvements can be seen in minutes. As soon as you start doing the right thing the children recognise the fact and respond completely differently to you.
During the time I've been working with extreme behaviour problems, behaviour in schools has generally worsened. Unfortunately bad behaviour is so prevalent that it's now likely to be considered normal and there's no longer shock that it's happening. It's practically accepted that this unacceptable behaviour can't be prevented. I've had people just raise their eyebrows in surprise that someone's suggesting that they could and should be taking action.
Where do you start? Well, you have to decide whether what you're doing is giving you the results that you want. Usually when I ask someone this question the answer is, 'No'. In that case I'm afraid that you have to accept that you have to make some changes in your approach to behaviour management. Believe me, when you do this, your life in the classroom becomes massively easier - reduced stress, better results. You can't lose!!
If you want to manage behaviour in your classroom with skill and confidence you can learn all you need to know in Behaviour Bible. When you've read about the skills, put them into action consistently in your classroom and practise them until you're confident and they're second nature.
Author Resource:
Liz Marsden is a highly respected behaviour management specialist who manages challenging behaviour believed unmanageable by other teachers and professionals. Liz's informative book Behaviour Bible offers invaluable information and guidance to help you manage your classroom effectively. You can also gain an insight into Liz's work and her daily classroom experiences.
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