Behaviour for Learning
Tricks and Tips for avoiding / dealing with conflict
Have an agreed, explicit set of class rules
Approx 6, ideally involve group in creating them, actively teach them & reinforce them in some way each lesson.
Focus on the positive
Notice the pupils getting it right
High expectations
…of behaviour and compliance
Take up time
Give an instruction and move away (keep scanning)
Catch them being good
Notice and praise when they are complying
Tactical ignoring
Overlook if off task behaviour is not affecting learning. Focus on your primary goal.
Divert or distract
Engage or re-engage in something appropriate. ‘How can I help you with this?’
Non verbal cues
Don’t be afraid to use hands face body to reinforce, model expectations or instruct
Proximity
Think carefully about where you put yourself to praise or warn, encourage, remind etc
The stare
Make eye contact,
Maintain neutral eye contact briefly
Same again hold contact and add an expression to communicate what you want
Private enquiry
‘Which bit are you stuck on?’ ‘Is there something I can help with?’
Private direction / redirection
Verbal or non verbal, tap book; ‘You need to…’, ‘I’ve asked you to…’,
Describe the reality
‘You are out of your seat, …
‘Dave, you are talking too loudly,…
Rule reminder
‘Dave, you are talking too loudly,…partner voice please’
or What is our rule about…?
Partial agreement
I know you’d rather be … but I right now you need to…
We are not talking about Dave’s behaviour
Choice
Emphasise that the behaviour is always the child’s choice. ‘Put the phone back in your bag or put it on my desk thanks’ – both outcomes you get what you want. ‘If you choose to x then you will also be choosing to y’. They choose a consequence rather than you give. Both seem subtle twists of language but are effective in minimising conflict.
Redirect to success
Remind pupil of previous success. ‘You work well when you focus on your book’ rather than ‘You are always talking’.
Block
Dave, I’m not talking to you until you lower your voice…sit down…etc
Stuck record
As above but repeat, keep tone calm.
Relocation
(within class) move using choice to a place where they are more likely to succeed.
Time out
(within class) move using choice to allow cool off or remove distraction for others
Brief After Class Chat
Effective and easy intervention / consequence. Allows for redirection and follow up at a time more convenient to you with no audience. Also reinforces that a line has been crossed.