Behavior Management

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 28, 2023

19 Ways to Teach Students to Follow School Rules

Are you looking for ways to teach students to follow school rules? If so, keep reading.

1. Notify other staff members of any behavior problem that the learner may have so that supervision and assistance may be given.

2. Embody for the learner those behaviors they are expected to display in the school environment.

3. Get the learner to keep a chart representing the amount of time spent following school rules. Reinforcement should be given for increasing acceptable behavior.

4. Praise those students in the classroom who follow school rules.

5. Give the learner an easily grasped list of consequences for unacceptable behavior.

6. Teach problem-solving skills: • Find the problem. • Find the goals and objectives. • Create a strategy/plan for action. • Carry out the plan. • Assess the results.

7. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the learner to act improperly.

8. Be firm, fair, and consistent when enforcing the rules and consequences contained in the school discipline plan.

9. Get the learner to review the consequences of their behavior. Get the learner to consider various choices they could have made and the various outcomes.

10. Give the learner optional courses of action to prevent total refusal to obey school rules (e.g., may return to the classroom).

11. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, or instructions they do not understand.

12. Praise the learner for going directly from one place to another.

13. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., failing to follow school rules) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., following school rules).

14. Hold the learner responsible for failing to follow school rules.

15. Give the learner positive feedback that indicates they are successful.

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 24, 2023

24 Ways to Teach Students to Behave Appropriately While Sitting at Their Desk

Are you looking for ways to teach students to behave appropriately while sitting at their desk? If so, keep reading.

1. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

2. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., tipping chair) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., sitting with all chair legs on the floor).

3. Provide a predetermined signal (e.g., give a hand signal, ring a bell, etc.) when the learner begins to behave improperly while seated.

4. Talk with the learner to let them know what they are doing wrong, what they should be doing, and what the consequences are for unacceptable behavior.

5. Make sure that the chair or desk the learner designated is appropriate and/ or comfortable for them (e.g., the desk is not too high, the chair is not too small, etc.).

6. Select various people (e.g., peer, paraprofessional, friend, etc.) to reinforce the learner when they sit still.

7. Select a peer who has self-control. Urge the learner to observe that person and try to model the behaviors that contribute to self-control.

8. Place the learner away from peers to lessen the likelihood that the learner will behave improperly while in their seat.

9. Refrain from seating the learner near people with whom they may be enticed to converse during assemblies, seminars, group projects, etc.

10. Give the learner a specific description of appropriate in-seat behavior (e.g., facing forward, feet on floor, back straight, etc.).

11. Move materials used for tactile stimulation (e.g., pens, paper clips, loose change, etc.) away from the learner’s reach.

12. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., behaving properly while seated) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

13. Place the learner near the teacher.

14. Explain to the learner, after telling them to stop talking, the reason they should not be talking.

15. Remove any learning materials that the learner uses to make noise while seated.

16. Do not criticize when correcting the learner; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the learner to feel negatively about themselves.

17. Provide consistent expectations for the learner to sit properly in their seat.

18. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

21. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

22. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

23. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

24. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 23, 2023

22 Ways to Teach Students Not to Steal

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to steal? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure that the learner does not get away with taking things from others by having them immediately return what they take forcibly.

2. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., grabbing things from others) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., asking to use things, borrowing, sharing, returning, etc.).

3. Teach the learner acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

4. Observe the learner to monitor behavior.

5. Connect with the learner’s family to create procedures whereby the learner may earn those things they would otherwise take from other students.

6. Teach the learner to ask for things positively. Teach keywords and phrases (e.g., “May I borrow your pencil?” “Do you mind if l use your cellphone?” etc.).

7. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

8. Find those things the learner has been grabbing from others and give the learner those things as reinforcers for appropriate behavior.

9. Urge the learner to ask themselves questions to avoid impulsive behavior (e.g., “What should I be doing?” “How do I want to be perceived?”).

10. Urge the learner to monitor their impulsivity. Awareness should lessen impulsive behaviors.

11. Teach the learner to handle their anger, frustration, disappointment, etc., by walking away from the situation, talking with an adult, etc.

12. Urge the learner to verbalize their feelings before losing control (e.g., “I’m starting to act impulsively. I need to walk away from this situation.”).

13. Select a peer who will be an excellent influence on the learner (e.g., someone younger/older, of the same/opposite gender, etc.) to take part in learning activities with the learner.

14. Remove the learner immediately from interacting with others when they begin to take things forcefully.

15. Do not assume the learner is being treated nicely by others. Peers may be stimulating unacceptable behavior.

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

20. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

21. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

22. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 20, 2023

20 Ways to Teach Students Not to Use Profanity

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to use profanity? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure you deal in a socially acceptable way with situations that may be upsetting.

2. Teach the learner to verbalize feelings before losing control (e.g., “The work is too hard.” “Please leave me alone; you ‘re making me angry.”).

3. Observe the behavior of others to make sure they are not teasing or otherwise stimulating the learner to become upset or angry.

4. Teach the learner ways to deal with conflict situations (e.g., talking, reasoning, asking an adult to intervene, walking away, etc.).

5. Watch for the warning signs (e.g., arguing, loud voices, etc.) that the learner is getting upset or angry and intervene to change the learning experience.

6. Make sure you approach the learner with words and phrases that offer support rather than stimulating antagonism, anger, etc.

7. Repeat rules and expectations before learning activities happen that might result in the learner becoming upset or angry.

8. Make sure to intervene early when the learner does curse before cursing becomes an established part of their speech.

9. Make sure the learner knows the consequences of cursing that will be delivered in your class (e.g., loss of privileges, loss of chance to associate with those with whom he curses, loss of freedom to be left alone with friends, etc.).

10. Make sure the learner knows that other teachers will not stand for cursing, the learner should expect to be embarrassed, and may be prevented from interacting with others.

11. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Highly competitive learning activities may cause the learner to become upset, angry, frustrated, etc.

12. Do not inadvertently reinforce the learner’s cursing by laughing, smiling, ignoring, etc.

13. Stop the learner from becoming frustrated to the extent that cursing results. Intervene to help the learner in those situations that may result in frustration and cursing.

14. If highly competitive learning activities contribute to the learner’s cursing, either lessen the learner’s involvement in those learning activities or make sure the learner knows that cursing will result in the loss of chances to take part in those learning activities.

15. Show the learner successful persons who actively take part in an assortment of learning activities without cursing.

16. Make sure the learner is taught those words that are socially appropriate to use in place of cursing (e.g., “dang,” “shoot,” “darn,” “heck,” etc.).

17. Using profanity is not a behavior that should be ignored. By ignoring the learner’s cursing, you send the message that it is acceptable.

18. Talk with the learner about ways to deal with unpleasant experiences that would typically cause them to use obscene language (e.g., talk to the teacher, go to a quiet area in the room, visit a counselor, etc.).

19. Embody using appropriate language at all times (e.g., use appropriate language to express disappointment, unhappiness, surprise, etc.).

20. Address the learner calmly and deliberately rather than in a manner that would show evidence of shock and surprise.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 16, 2023

18 Ways to Support Students Who Show Phobic Reactions

Are you looking for ways to support students who show phobic reactions? If so, keep reading.

1. Be sure the learner makes appropriate use of the time given for learning activities.

2. If appropriate, give additional time for the learner to change clothing for physical education. As the learner shows success, slowly lessen the additional time given.

3. Make sure the learner has the appropriate clothing for physical education.

4. Stop peers from making the learner feel awkward when they take part in learning activities (i.e., prevent other students from making fun, teasing, etc.).

5. On occasions where requiring the learner to take part in a learning experience in which they are awkward, pair the learner with a peer/friend to lessen their discomfort.

6. Assess the necessity of requiring the learner to take part in learning activities in which he/she is awkward.

7. Give the learner alternatives to learning activities that make them awkward (e.g., let the learner write a poem instead of reciting a poem in front of a group).

8. Make sure the learner has sufficient time to perform learning activities.

9. Let the learner be an observer of learning activities without requiring them to be an active participant.

10. Let the learner perform functions or learning activities that require little participation (e.g., scorekeeper, notetaker, etc.).

11. Ask the learner to find under what circumstances they would be willing to take part in learning activities (i.e., the learner may be able to suggest acceptable conditions under which they would be comfortable participating in learning activities ).

12. Give a schedule whereby the learner slowly increases the duration of time spent at school each day, in the classroom, in a particular class or learning experience, etc.

13. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties to tell them about the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.

14. If the learner is extremely awkward at school, let a parent, relative, or friend remain with the learner all day if appropriate. As the learner becomes more comfortable, slowly lessen the duration of time the person remains with the learner.

15. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

16. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 15, 2023

16 Ways to Teach Students to Exhibit Appropriate Behaviors Related to Bodily Functions

Are you looking for ways to teach students to exhibit appropriate behaviors related to bodily functions? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not leave the learner unsupervised.

2. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they show appropriate behavior.

3. Take the learner away from the peer or situation that stimulates them to take part in unacceptable behavior related to bodily functions.

4. Notify other school staff members to make them aware of the problem.

5. Make sure the learner knows how to use restroom facilities appropriately.

6. Give the learner accurate information regarding bodily functions to answer questions and clear up misunderstandings.

7. Teach the learner alternative ways to deal with their anger (e.g., talk with the teacher, move away from the situation, talk to other school staff members, etc.).

8. Convey concerns and communicate fears to the administration and seek a referral to an agency for investigation of possible abuse and neglect.

9. Give the learner a full schedule of daily activities to increase active involvement in their surroundings.

10. Give the learner a quiet space to work to lessen overstimulation. This is to be used to lessen stimulation, not as a form of punishment.

11. Select a peer to model appropriate social behavior for the learner.

12. Provide visibility to and from the learner. The teacher should be able to see the learner; the learner should be able to see the teacher. Make eye contact possible at all times.

13. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

14. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

16. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 14, 2023

20 Ways to Teach Students Not to React Violently

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to react violently? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide supervision at all times and in all areas of the school environment.

2. Stop annoying or anxiety-producing situations from happening (e.g., give the learner tasks only on their capacity and ability level, give the learner only the number of tasks that can be tolerated in one sitting, lessen social interactions that encourage the learner to demonstrate involuntary physical reactions, etc.).

3. Make sure you are regularly in proximity to the learner.

4. Teach and urge the learner to use problem-solving skills: (a) find the problem, (b) find goals and objectives, (c) create strategies, (d) create a plan of action, and (e) carry out the plan.

5. Give an environment that is calm, consistent, and structured.

6. Give the learner a predetermined signal if they begin to exhibit unacceptable behavior.

7. Make sure that positive reinforcement is not inadvertently given for unacceptable behavior(e.g., answering the learner when errors are made, answering the learner when they feign a need for help, etc.).

8. Urge the learner to practice self-control learning activities designed to let the learner compose themselves before continuing a learning experience (e.g., placing hands on desk, sitting with feet flat on the floor, making eye contact with the instructor, etc.).

9. Give the learner a quiet space to work when involuntary physical reactions happen. This should not be used as punishment but as a way of helping the learner be more successful in their surroundings.

10. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

11. Make sure the learner does not become involved in overstimulating learning activities.

12. Teach the learner acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

13. Do not force the learner to interact with others.

14. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

16. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

18. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 12, 2023

20 Ways to Teach Students Not to Destroy Other People’s Property

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to destroy other people’s property? If so, keep reading.

1. Give an organizer for learning materials inside the learner’s desk.

2. Teach the learner appropriate care and handling of others’ property (e.g., sharpening borrowed pencils, keeping books free of marks and tears, etc.).

3. Make sure that all personal property is tagged with the learner’s name.

4. Teach the learner that borrowing personal property from others does not lessen their responsibility for the property.

5. Teach the learner how to conserve rather than waste learning materials (e.g., amount of glue, tape, etc., to use; putting lids, caps, and tops on such learning materials as markers, pens, bottles, jars, cans; etc.).

6. Teach the learner appropriate ways to deal with anger and frustration rather than destroying others’ property (e.g., pencils, pens, workbooks, notebooks, textbooks, etc.).

7. Teach the learner how to handle property belonging to others (e.g., keep property with them, know where the property is at all times, secure property in a locker, etc.).

8. Give the learner an appropriate space to store/secure others’ property (e.g., desk, locker, closet, etc.) and require the learner to store all property when not in use.

9. Teach the learner that the failure to care for others’ property will result in the loss of freedom to use others’ property.

10. Give reminders (e.g., a list of property or learning materials) to help the learner keep and care for school properly.

11. Restrict the learner’s freedom to take property from school if they are unable to remember to return the things.

12. Restrict the learner’s chances to use others’ property if the learner is unable to care for their own personal property.

13. Minimize the number of learning materials for which the learner is responsible. As the learner shows appropriate responsibility for the property, slowly increase the number of learning materials for which the learner is responsible.

14. Teach the learner safety rules in the care and handling of others’ property and learning materials (e.g., pencils, scissors, compass; biology, industrial arts, and home economics learning materials; etc.).

15. Require that lost or damaged property be replaced by the learner. If the learner cannot replace the property, compensation can be made by working at school.

16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

18. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management February 11, 2023

Behavior Modification: Everything You Need to Know

This refers to the process of altering patterns of human behavior over the long term by using different motivational techniques. The final goal is to substitute problematic, objectionable, or disagreeable behaviors with more desirable and positive behaviors.

Behavioral modification is a classroom management technique that can be approached from one of four reinforcement/punishment types:

1. Positive reinforcement: Here, a student receives extra credit when he/she answers a question thoughtfully or otherwise, behaves appropriately.

2. Positive punishment: A good example of what happens here is setting up a meeting between the student and the school principal.

3. Negative reinforcement: The negative reinforcement approach results in the misbehaving student’s name being excluded from the list of students who can participate in class sessions by answering questions.

4. Negative punishment: This results in a decrement in free time for the misbehaving student.

For successful behavior modification, consistency is the key. Teachers can praise their students for doing their class works on time or answering questions correctly. They can continue praising the students every time they do their chores until it becomes a habit. Then, they can phase out their praise slowly over time.

For effective behavioral modification, positive reinforcement has been discovered to be the most viable approach. Punishments, on the other hand, don’t work as effectively. This is perhaps because instructors are better positioned to provide constructive encouragement to the students, as opposed to only criticizing their actions.

When using negative consequences for behavioral modification, it’s important to ensure they’re consistent. If a student only gets sent out of class once every five times he hits someone, the consequences won’t be effective. Instead, he needs to be sent out of class every time he hits someone, thus making him realize what he has done is unwanted behavior.

Behavior modification works best when adults work together as a team. Thus, if teachers, along with parents and other caregivers, use the same techniques, a student’s behavior is likely to change even faster. However, behavior modification should be customized to the specific needs of a group of students. That’s because the strategies that work well for a group might not work with another group. It’s also important to realize that classrooms are varied, and what worked in one classroom setting may have limited effectiveness in another classroom with a different group of students. As such, teachers should consider their classroom structure and what their students specifically need before choosing the most appropriate model.

Matthew Lynch published in Behavior Management, Teachers February 9, 2023

16 Ways to Encourage Students to Tell the Truth

Are you looking for ways to encourage students to tell the truth? If so, keep reading.

1. Assist the learner in understanding that by exaggerating the truth, they may even come to believe what they exaggerate, and that exaggerating may become a routine (schedule).

2. Teach the learner to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).

3. Create a system of shared responsibility

4. Observe the learner closely to monitor the accuracy of the statements made.

5. Refrain from making accusations that would increase the likelihood of the learner making inaccurate statements in response. If it is known that the learner is responsible, an admission of guilt is not appropriate to deal with the situation.

6. Refrain from putting the learner in a situation in which they have the chance to lie, deny, exaggerate, etc., (e.g., highly competitive learning activities, situations with limited supervision, etc.).

7. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for making accurate statements at school.

8. Make sure the learner knows that not being honest when confronted will result in more negative consequences than telling the truth. Be sure to be very consistent in this approach.

9. Talk with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., lying, denying their behavior, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., reporting accurately what has occurred or will happen).

10. Praise the learner for making accurate statements: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

11. Attempt to have an open, honest relationship with the learner. Urge the learner to tell the truth, but do not use threats to make them tell the truth (e.g., “You had better tell the truth or else!”).

12. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., making accurate statements) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.