Understanding Behaviors

Recently, there have been multiple articles about principals and teachers leaving their positions. Other articles discuss the shortage of teachers at the beginning of the school year. Further articles state that teachers are quitting in masses. Additionally, articles state that students’ misbehaviors are increasing. After many decades of denouncing educators, we are in a place that is very difficult. There is no golden ticket to fix this situation except to change society’s view of education. That change takes an extremely long time to make. Who do all these issues affect? The children, of course, especially students in inner and rural areas. Understanding behavior is important.

Many classrooms will open without a teacher in the classroom. Some classes will start with a substitute teacher. Some districts will have larger class sizes because they do not have enough teachers. Teachers will still have to teach. Not having consistency in the classroom from day one can cause anxiety for many children. So many times, in the classroom educators focus on what the child is not doing as opposed to what the child is doing. Understanding behaviors is the best place to start. So teachers can teach and students can learn.

Understanding the behavior of each child in the classroom takes effort, time, and work. First, you need to know each child and how they think and feel. Understanding your students can provide a learning environment that works. Start with the students that are usually quiet and do not usually interact with others. If you have students that act out on several occasions find out the reason. Understanding behavior is investigating the reason behind the action.

Understanding the behavior of each child starts with taking notes on student behaviors. Observe academic and social/emotional behaviors. The easiest way to take notes is by having index cards in your pockets. When you observe something take the card and document what you observed. The more you document behaviors in the classroom the more you can analyze. When you analyze the data, you will be able to set structures in place to help your students grow and develop.

Understanding behaviors is to know that every behavior is a result of a stimulus. Understanding the reason behind the behavior is important to manage that behavior. Also, know the triggers for certain behaviors. Viewing behaviors as a reaction to something will set structures and provide support for the students.

Especially now in education, we need to understand behaviors. Figure out the reason the behavior occurred. Then we can provide the support the child needs to be successful. By understanding behavior, we provide all students with acceptance and caring. By understanding every behavior, we show our students that everyone matters.