Behaviour Management for Primary NQTs Mark Holdaway Associate Trainer (Brighton & Hove Pupil Referral Unit)

Session Four: Building and maintaining positive relationships

Aims of the session We will explore: how we develop positive relationships with children the use of praise in developing and maintaining positive relationships why it is more difficult to build and maintain positive relationships with some children than with others solution-focused strategies for proactive behaviour management and will build on: a proactive checklist for positive behaviour management

Relationships The key to promoting positive behaviour Three main difficulties: Large numbers of children with whom teachers have to develop relationships Multiple role of the teacher Some children are actively suspicious and anti-relationships

Relationships You need to have a positive relationship Relationships develop naturally They can be positive or negative Maintenance may come naturally May need to be planned Relationships take time Involve others – staff, parents/carers, etc Keep a healthy ‘bank balance’

Tips on using praise Aim for a ratio of 8:1 Start the lesson by praising specific things from last session Be genuine Make praise specific – relate to the 5 Rs Choose carefully when to give it Praise what matters to children as well as what matters to you cont...

Tips on using praise (cont…) Keep going even if children don’t acknowledge your praise – it works on the inside Don’t ‘qualify’ praise Acknowledge any effort the child has made – praise is a consequence of that effort See the child individually and tell them what you observed A quick positive note or phone call home can work wonders

I don’t like this child! What separates them out in terms of: their behaviour towards you their behaviour towards peers their attention span their academic success how they feel about themselves their support from home their ability to do what they promised?

Our own feelings Annoyed Angry, provoked Hurt Defeated, discouraged

In this session we have: considered the importance of positive relationships shared ideas for building positive relationships considered why and how to use praise discussed why it is more difficult to build and maintain positive relationships with some children than with others discussed why ‘labelling’ children happens and how it can perpetuate negative behaviour applied solution-focused strategies to a classroom issue