Behavior management and classroom management are interrelated. Behavior management refers to teacher activities designed to promote positive behaviors in students. Self-discipline is the goal of all behavior management. All activities are individualized based on each child's behavioral needs. Behavior management has two objectives: 1. Decrease antisocial and disruptive behaviors. 2. Increase appropriate prosocial behaviors.
Trying these behavior management strategies may help:
Set limits for behavior by stating your tolerance level. Ignore behaviors that may possibly increase by attending to them. Develop a signal to let the child know behavior is unacceptable. Reinforce child for appropriate behavior. Provide child with breaks from work when they become agitated or bored. Redirect bored child back to task by offering to help, discussing the assignment or complimenting the student's accomplishment on the completed part of the task. Make a direct appeal to the student's sense of fairness.
This article from LD online discusses the critical difference between skill deficits and performance deficits. The number one challenge for many special educators is effective management of disruptive behaviors. Check out these links for techniques used by the experts!
This article, written by Dr. Mac, from the BehaviorAdvisor.com, applies to all students who have social skills difficulties. LD OnLine considers it particularly applicable to students who have learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. Learn why they have social problems and how to teach them the skills they need to "get over it."
PBS Practices are brief fact sheets that describe effective practices in Positive Behavior Support. Each Practice includes a rationale, overview, examples, issues and needs, and frequently-asked questions on a designated topic. Good rewards provide the incentive for a successful classroom management system.
KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit organization, brings hope and healing to America's children through public awareness and treatment. If you need immediate help in a crisis, call their HelpLine at 1-800-334-4KID.
Behavior Management: Getting to the Bottom of Social Skills Deficits discusses the differences between skill-based and preformance-based deficits and lists eight fundamental social skills that can be taught. One key quote from the article, "Our anger and punishment can only add to the frustration of the student who knows he or she did something wrong, but has no clue as to how to fix it." It is powerful to know we can help them learn and use appropriate skills!