Understanding & Managing Behavior “Misbehavior results from mistaken goals.” Rudolph Dreikurs © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Questions to Ponder…  Why do students sometimes act badly?  What strategies did your teachers use that made you want to behave correctly?  What are your greatest concerns regarding classroom management? © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Goals of Misbehavior Goal #1: Attention  Students who feel worthless may seek attention to feel good about themselves.  Bad behaviors often illicit attention.  Attention sought may be positive or negative.  Attention-seekers should get attention (teacher’s) only when they are not actively seeking it. © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Goals of Misbehavior Goal #2: Power  Students may be defiant.  Students feel a sense of self-worth by controlling others.  Need to be the “boss” of a situation.  Teachers should avoid getting in a power struggle with students (no-win). © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Goals of Misbehavior Goal #3: Revenge  Behavior may be hostile or vicious.  Students often want to hurt others as they have been hurt.  Behavior may include stealing or kicking.  Teachers need to use encouragement and logical consequences. © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Goals of Misbehavior Goal #4: Helplessness  Students may want to be left alone.  Students may feel inadequate or inferior.  Students may avoid others.  Actions not often viewed as misbehavior.  Teachers must encourage the “helpless” to be actively engaged in the classroom.  Try to address feelings of inadequacy and help build social skills. © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Behavior Management Principles  Safety and security of classroom students is teacher’s first priority.  Obtain students’ attention before beginning your instruction, giving directions, or explaining tasks.  Watch this video: 7K0M 7K0M © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Behavior Management Principles  Have students raise their hands to speak; only one person should speak at a time.  Vary activities to maintain students’ attention and focus.  Allow choices when possible, but be sure you can live with the choice selected. So choose options wisely! © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Behavior Management Principles  Treat ALL students with respect at ALL times. Students are perceptive and pick up on your actions and attitudes.  Address a misbehavior without personally “attacking” the student (i.e., focus on the problem, not the student).  Never do anything that would publicly humiliate the student. © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Behavior Management Principles  Catch them being good.  Focus on the positive.  “Pick your battles” when addressing negative behaviors.  Don’t nag or nit-pick!  Use encouragement as often as possible.  Use authentic praise. © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Do Not Tolerate...  Any violent behavior  Whining and complaining  Profanity  Disrespectful tone of voice  Bullying  Put-downs  Back-talk  Inappropriate gestures © Kappa Delta Pi 2014

Remember:  YOU set the stage for the environment in your classroom © Kappa Delta Pi 2014