Managing Student Managing Student BehaviorBehavior

Judy BrunnerJudy Brunner

Spring River ConferenceSpring River Conference

November 2, 2009November 2, 2009 2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Instructional TargetsInstructional Targets

Understand how to provide Understand how to provide clear expectations for student clear expectations for student behavior, classroom routines behavior, classroom routines and proceduresand procedures

Be able to reduce or eliminate Be able to reduce or eliminate anti-social or verbally anti-social or verbally aggressive student behaviorsaggressive student behaviors

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Let’s Think About It!Let’s Think About It!

Talk to your friend.Talk to your friend.

When you consider the When you consider the management of student behavior management of student behavior at school, what concerns you the at school, what concerns you the most?most?

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

What do students want?What do students want?

Teachers that are trustworthyTeachers that are trustworthy

Teachers who get to know themTeachers who get to know them

Teachers who believe in themTeachers who believe in them

Teachers who make learning interestingTeachers who make learning interesting

Teachers who don’t embarrass themTeachers who don’t embarrass them

Teachers who don’t screamTeachers who don’t scream

Teachers who don’t give up on themTeachers who don’t give up on them

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

What do students want?What do students want?

Teachers to be nice and smile oftenTeachers to be nice and smile often

Teachers to care about themTeachers to care about them

Teachers to be understandingTeachers to be understanding

Teachers to be patientTeachers to be patient

Teachers to be fair and consistentTeachers to be fair and consistent

Teachers who like teachingTeachers who like teaching

Teachers who help them succeedTeachers who help them succeed

Teachers that challenge them to do Teachers that challenge them to do their besttheir best

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Managing Student BehaviorManaging Student BehaviorIt’s Not EasyIt’s Not Easy

Inappropriate behavior is contagious.Inappropriate behavior is contagious.

It’s very easy to forget what you know It’s very easy to forget what you know intellectually and merely begin to intellectually and merely begin to react emotionally.react emotionally.

If a student always “presses your If a student always “presses your buttons”, hide your buttons.buttons”, hide your buttons.

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Talk to Your FriendTalk to Your FriendWhich One Works Best?Which One Works Best?

Laissez-faireLaissez-faire Autocratic Autocratic DemocraticDemocratic

In terms of student product, which In terms of student product, which teaching style works best?teaching style works best?

In terms of student learning, which In terms of student learning, which teaching style works best?teaching style works best?

Brain Compatible Ways toBrain Compatible Ways to Prevent Discipline Prevent Discipline

ProblemsProblems

Make positive contact with each Make positive contact with each student within 5 minutes of the student within 5 minutes of the beginning of class.beginning of class.

Make regular positive contact with Make regular positive contact with parents.parents.

Allow students to have input into Allow students to have input into classroom rules and assignments.classroom rules and assignments.

Provide for individual time, group Provide for individual time, group time, class discussions, and time, class discussions, and affirmation.affirmation. 2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Brain Compatible Ways toBrain Compatible Ways to Prevent Discipline Prevent Discipline

ProblemsProblems Make the classroom interesting Make the classroom interesting

with bulletin boards that are with bulletin boards that are colorful and relevant.colorful and relevant.

Respond quickly to student Respond quickly to student concerns and questions.concerns and questions.

Incorporate movement into the Incorporate movement into the daily schedule of the class.daily schedule of the class.

Include everyone in discussions Include everyone in discussions and routines.and routines.

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Brain Compatible Ways toBrain Compatible Ways to Prevent Discipline Prevent Discipline

ProblemsProblems

Have students write a monthly letter Have students write a monthly letter to the teacher. As the teacher, write to the teacher. As the teacher, write a response.a response.

Have students role play appropriate Have students role play appropriate responses and reactions.responses and reactions.

Manage group leaders so they set Manage group leaders so they set the right tone for the group.the right tone for the group.

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Brain Compatible Ways toBrain Compatible Ways to Prevent Discipline Prevent Discipline

ProblemsProblems Recognize when it is time for the Recognize when it is time for the

class to take a break. Have students class to take a break. Have students stand, breathe deeply, stretch, stand stand, breathe deeply, stretch, stand on toes, etc.on toes, etc.

Understand that building a Understand that building a relationship with students related to relationship with students related to extracurricular activities can extracurricular activities can enhance the classroom environment.enhance the classroom environment.

Post schedules to reduce confusion.Post schedules to reduce confusion. 2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Effective TeachersEffective Teachers

Know what they are doing every dayKnow what they are doing every day

Know and teach classroom proceduresKnow and teach classroom procedures

Know their professional responsibilitiesKnow their professional responsibilities

Know that every day can be “the first Know that every day can be “the first day of school”day of school”

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

A Well Managed A Well Managed ClassroomClassroom

CharacteristicsCharacteristics

High level of student involvement High level of student involvement with workwith work

Relatively little wasted time, Relatively little wasted time, confusion, or disruptionconfusion, or disruption

Work oriented but relaxed and Work oriented but relaxed and pleasant climatepleasant climate

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

A Well Managed A Well Managed ClassroomClassroom

Effective TeachersEffective Teachers

Dress professionallyDress professionally

Understand they are role modelsUnderstand they are role models

Are able to say “No” and mean itAre able to say “No” and mean it

Start class immediatelyStart class immediately

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

A Well Managed A Well Managed ClassroomClassroomEffective TeachersEffective Teachers

Meet and greet students at the doorMeet and greet students at the door

Use a seating chartUse a seating chart

Teach responsibility by making students Teach responsibility by making students responsible for daily tasksresponsible for daily tasks

Know how to bring class to attentionKnow how to bring class to attention

Know how to praise and encourageKnow how to praise and encourage

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

A Well Managed A Well Managed ClassroomClassroom

Effective TeachersEffective Teachers

Introduce rules, procedures, and Introduce rules, procedures, and routines from day one and routines from day one and continue to teach them continue to teach them throughout the school year……throughout the school year……especially at the beginning of 4especially at the beginning of 4thth quarterquarter

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

A Well Managed A Well Managed ClassroomClassroom

Procedures for the followingProcedures for the following

Beginning classBeginning class Ending classEnding class Collecting papersCollecting papers Returning papersReturning papers Sharpening pencilsSharpening pencils Leaving the room for personal reasonsLeaving the room for personal reasons Obtaining, maintaining and using Obtaining, maintaining and using

school materialsschool materials Entering the room when lateEntering the room when late

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

A Well Managed A Well Managed ClassroomClassroom

Procedures for the following:Procedures for the following:

Getting student attention after group Getting student attention after group work or discussionwork or discussion

Responding to visitors in the roomResponding to visitors in the room Responding to intercom Responding to intercom

announcementsannouncements FormingForming groups within the classgroups within the class Getting the teacher’s attention during Getting the teacher’s attention during

discussion, seatwork, or group workdiscussion, seatwork, or group work 2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

How Might TheseHow Might These Procedures Look? Procedures Look?

Beginning classBeginning class Ending classEnding class Collecting papersCollecting papers Returning papersReturning papers Sharpening pencilsSharpening pencils Leaving the room for personal reasonsLeaving the room for personal reasons Obtaining, maintaining and using Obtaining, maintaining and using

school materialsschool materials Entering the room when lateEntering the room when late

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Talk to your friend.

Getting student attention after group Getting student attention after group work or discussionwork or discussion

Responding to visitors in the roomResponding to visitors in the room Responding to intercom Responding to intercom

announcementsannouncements FormingForming groups within the classgroups within the class Getting the teacher’s attention during Getting the teacher’s attention during

discussion, seatwork, or group workdiscussion, seatwork, or group work

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

How Might TheseHow Might These Procedures Procedures

Look?Look?Talk to your friend.

They treat all students courteously and They treat all students courteously and refuse to tolerate students’ mistreatment of refuse to tolerate students’ mistreatment of each other.each other.

They establish a classroom code of conduct.They establish a classroom code of conduct.

What Effective Teachers What Effective Teachers Do!Do!

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Suggestions for a Suggestions for a Classroom Classroom

Code of ConductCode of Conduct We will not embarrass others

We will try to help students who are having difficult understanding the content

We will invite students who are easily left out of activities to work together

We will remember that our primary purpose at school is to learn and improve academically 2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

When You Are Really When You Are Really in Control You Willin Control You Will

Never get into a power struggle with a Never get into a power struggle with a studentstudent

Treat everyone with respect and Treat everyone with respect and expect the same in returnexpect the same in return

Be consistentBe consistent

Never shame or embarrass a studentNever shame or embarrass a student

Never raise your voice in angerNever raise your voice in anger

When You Are Really When You Are Really in Control You Willin Control You Will

Are firm but kindAre firm but kind

Realize you are a role model related to Realize you are a role model related to behaviorbehavior

Have high expectations and a zero Have high expectations and a zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviortolerance for unacceptable behavior

Always make certain the punishment Always make certain the punishment fits the crimefits the crime

When You Are Really When You Are Really in Control You Willin Control You Will

Not blame last year’s teachersNot blame last year’s teachers

Not blame the administrationNot blame the administration

Not blame parentsNot blame parents

Not blame societyNot blame society

Head ‘Em UP! Move ‘Em Head ‘Em UP! Move ‘Em Out!Out!

Remember how you feel after Remember how you feel after sitting in professional sitting in professional development for the day!development for the day!

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Head ‘Em UP! Move ‘Em Head ‘Em UP! Move ‘Em Out!Out!

If students must read aloud, require them to standIf students must read aloud, require them to stand

As content is discussed, have students stand when As content is discussed, have students stand when they agree and sit if they disagreethey agree and sit if they disagree

Have students make appointments for discussion Have students make appointments for discussion purposespurposes

Use role play when possibleUse role play when possible

Give stretch breaks during classGive stretch breaks during class

Use cooperative learning activities – but remember – Use cooperative learning activities – but remember – it’s not just group workit’s not just group work

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Improving Your Improving Your “Withitness”“Withitness”

Avoid concentrating only with those Avoid concentrating only with those students that are most interestedstudents that are most interested

Circulate through the room calling Circulate through the room calling on a variety of students and on a variety of students and checking on progresschecking on progress

Maintain visual surveillanceMaintain visual surveillance

During direct instruction try to During direct instruction try to establish eye contact with each establish eye contact with each student once every two minutesstudent once every two minutes

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Improving Your Improving Your “Withitness”“Withitness”

Rather than having students bring Rather than having students bring paper and pencil to the teacher’s paper and pencil to the teacher’s desk, students should raise hands. desk, students should raise hands. The teacher should go to student’s The teacher should go to student’s desk to provide assistance.desk to provide assistance.

When a visitor enters the room give When a visitor enters the room give a signal to students that they should a signal to students that they should continue working.continue working.

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

When Students Return When Students Return to Your Classroomto Your Classroom

Be friendlyBe friendly

Offer the first smileOffer the first smile

Offer the first kind wordsOffer the first kind words

Offer the first friendly gestureOffer the first friendly gesture

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

What Precipitates a What Precipitates a Power Struggle?Power Struggle?

Time constraintsTime constraints

FatigueFatigue

Innate desire to “win”Innate desire to “win”

Behavioral patternsBehavioral patterns

Lack of student or Lack of student or staff trainingstaff training

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Power StrugglesPower StrugglesWhat Works?What Works?

Speak the second to the last wordSpeak the second to the last word

Model the values you want to seeModel the values you want to see

Do not use sarcasmDo not use sarcasm

Listen, agree, acknowledge, deferListen, agree, acknowledge, defer

Be complimentaryBe complimentary

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Important Points to Remember

Everyone can become aggressive depending Everyone can become aggressive depending upon the circumstancesupon the circumstances

Rewards and punishment can work in the Rewards and punishment can work in the short term but values like caring, respect short term but values like caring, respect and remorse are what will change aggressive and remorse are what will change aggressive behavior for the long termbehavior for the long term

Optimism is crucial so take care of yourself Optimism is crucial so take care of yourself and surround yourself with optimistic peopleand surround yourself with optimistic people

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Working with Angry Working with Angry IndividualsIndividuals

Respond professionallyRespond professionally

When consequences are necessary, When consequences are necessary, be business-like with your demeanorbe business-like with your demeanor

Make sure consequences make Make sure consequences make sensesense

Remember – they will eventually Remember – they will eventually return to your classroomreturn to your classroom

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

Non-Verbal Responses Non-Verbal Responses

Respect personal spaceRespect personal space

Maintain an open stance – stand at an Maintain an open stance – stand at an angle and keep hands in open viewangle and keep hands in open view

Maintain eye contact, but do not Maintain eye contact, but do not stare through the personstare through the person

Facial expression should be serious Facial expression should be serious but not angry or fearfulbut not angry or fearful

Convey concern and controlConvey concern and control

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

What Works?What Works?

Gather pertinent informationGather pertinent information

Defer actionDefer action

Refuse to be baitedRefuse to be baited

Compile a response listCompile a response list

Learn to apologizeLearn to apologize

Listen to body messagesListen to body messages

Develop a plan to get Develop a plan to get helphelp

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

What Works?What Works?ContinuedContinued

Remain calm and in controlRemain calm and in control

Respond empathetically – don’t Respond empathetically – don’t interruptinterruptRemain non-judgmentalRemain non-judgmental

Be aware of their own paraverbals – Be aware of their own paraverbals – tone, volume, and ratetone, volume, and rate

Use the individual’s nameUse the individual’s name

When possible, give choices When possible, give choices that are clear, concise, and that are clear, concise, and enforceableenforceable

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

What Works? What Works? ContinuedContinued

Get a gripGet a grip

The most important speaking you will The most important speaking you will do is with your ears do is with your ears

Recognize enemies and dissentersRecognize enemies and dissenters

Use credible witnessesUse credible witnesses

Move onMove on

Remain detachedRemain detached

2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.

How to Contact Us

By Mail:By Mail: P.O. Box 1963 Springfield. 65801-1963P.O. Box 1963 Springfield. 65801-1963

By Phone:By Phone: 417-880-5895417-880-5895

By E-mail:By E-mail: edusafe@edu-safe.orgedusafe@edu-safe.org

By Website:By Website: www.edu-safe.orgwww.edu-safe.org 2009 EDU-SAFE L.L.C.