Strategies for Managing Students with Behaviour Difficulties

Managing students with behaviour difficulties can be a daunting task for teachers, often leading to a challenging classroom environment. However, with the right strategies in place, educators can effectively support these students and create a positive learning atmosphere for everyone.

In this post, we will explore five proven techniques for managing students with behaviour difficulties, including positive reinforcement, effective classroom management, clear expectations, behaviour contracts, and support systems. By implementing these strategies with patience, consistency, and proactivity, teachers can ensure the success of both the students and the classroom as a whole.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES

One effective way to manage students with behaviour difficulties is through the use of positive reinforcement techniques. By focusing on reinforcing positive behaviours, teachers can encourage students to continue displaying those behaviours in the classroom.

This can include providing verbal praise, rewards, or privileges for students who demonstrate desired behaviours. Positive reinforcement not only motivates students to make positive choices but also helps to build their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. This sets a solid foundation for creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students feel valued and appreciated.

This may look different for different students. For example, if you have a student with significant behaviour challenges, it’s important to “catch them doing good”. This may start out as something very minor that you often wouldn’t praise a typical student for (such as putting their pencil away after a task), but you have to start small with students with behaviour challenges and build up from there.

Next, we will build on this to discuss effective classroom management strategies. It is important for teachers to establish a structured and organised classroom environment that supports positive behaviour and learning.

EFFECTIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

It is absolutely crucial for educators to set up a classroom with structure and routine, especially for students with behaviour struggles. Having consistency and being organised helps to support positive behaviour and learning.

This includes creating a regular routine, setting clear expectations, and implementing rules and consequences that are fair and consistent for all students. By providing a predictable and stable learning environment, teachers can help students feel secure and more willing to engage in positive behaviours.

Ensure that you are following through with all routines and rules to show that you are serious about how your classroom looks and what behaviours are and are not appropriate when students are with you.

Effective classroom management strategies also involve building positive relationships with students, providing individualised support when needed, and fostering a sense of community within the classroom.

ESTABLISHING CLEAR EXPECTATIONS

One key aspect of managing students with behaviour difficulties is establishing clear expectations in the classroom. This involves clearly outlining the rules, routines, and consequences so that students know exactly what is expected of them.

When expectations are clearly communicated, students are more likely to adhere to them and understand the consequences of their actions. By setting clear expectations, teachers can create a more structured and positive learning environment that supports positive behaviour.

This sets the stage for successfully implementing behaviour contracts to address specific behaviour issues and provide a framework for positive behaviour management strategies.

IMPLEMENTING BEHAVIOUR CONTRACTS

Another effective strategy for managing students with behaviour difficulties is implementing behaviour contracts or behaviour plans. These types of plans outline specific behaviours that need to be addressed, tools and strategies used to support the student, consequences for unwanted behaviours, and rewards for meeting expectations.

These contracts provide a clear framework for both the student and teacher to follow, setting specific goals and expectations for behaviour. By implementing behaviour contracts, teachers can individualise behaviour management strategies and provide students with a roadmap for success.

This sets the stage for utilising support systems, such as counsellors or behaviour specialists, to help students meet their goals and improve their behaviour.

UTILISING SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Utilising support systems can be a valuable tool in managing students with behaviour difficulties. Counsellors, colleagues, and behaviour specialists can offer expertise and additional resources to help students navigate and overcome their challenges.

By working collaboratively with these supportive professionals, teachers can gain new insights and strategies for managing difficult behaviours in the classroom. This teamwork approach ensures that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their specific needs, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes and long-term behaviour improvement.

By leveraging the expertise of support systems, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that fosters growth and development in all students.

MAINTAIN COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

Finally, it is important to include parent(s)/guardian(s) when working with students. It is crucial for teachers to reach out and discuss both positive and negative behaviours in the classroom and speak with parents about the importance of building self-regulation skills.

Ask parents if they see the same types of behaviours at home and, if so, what strategies work to support the student. If they do not see the same behaviours, communicate about the differences between school and home and discuss what may be triggering at school, of what could be happening at home that is leading to self-regulation issues at school (lack of sleep, not taking medication over weekends/breaks, moving between parents’ homes, not eating breakfast, and so on).

It is important for students to get the same messaging form home and school and that all adults are using the same wording and communication around expectations. Of course, we cannot control what parents do at home, but if we are able to all get on the same page, it makes overcoming behaviour struggles significantly easier for the student.

In conclusion, effectively managing students with behaviour difficulties is crucial for creating a positive learning environment. By incorporating positive reinforcement techniques, classroom management strategies, clear expectations, behaviour contracts, and support systems, teachers can successfully support these students and promote a conducive atmosphere for learning.

Remember, patience, consistency, and proactive implementation are key to the success of both the students and the classroom. As educator Rita Pierson once said, “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” So, let’s champion our students with behaviour difficulties and empower them to reach their full potential.

ENJOYED THIS? HERE ARE SOME OTHER BLOG POSTS ON KATIE IS A TEACHER YOU MAY LIKE: