What is behavior?

What is behavior? Behavior is the way we conduct ourselves from a stimulus.

There are so many strategies that relate to behaviors. Goggle behaviors and the results give a plethora of ideas. This article will give 5 ideas to create behavioral strong classrooms.

The first is to set up the structure in the classroom. Set the classroom to provide positive routines and procedures. Think about how you want the children to move inside the classroom and how they enter and exit. This needs to be done before the children walk through the door on their first day. Think about the environment you want them to learn in. Create the best possible learning environment. Create a structure that engages students. Create environments that intrigue students. Create learning experiences that are exciting. So, when the students walk in on the first day, they feel that there is a structure without having to say a word. You want to arrange desks and furnishings to create a community and learning space. Preplanning helps to ensure positive behavior. Children feel safe and comfortable when there is direction. The children want to control their behaviors if they feel a part of the community.

Second, you need to teach the procedures and processes in your classroom. You need to teach how you want the students to ask to go to the bathroom or sharpen a pencil. Please do not assume that the children know how you want them to do all procedures. Remember this is the first time the children will be in your classroom so teach what you want them to do. Especially if you teach in middle or high school. They need to understand what your expectations are. When you develop the rules for the classroom make sure you have student input, and they are written positively.

The third rule for positive behavior is to know each child as an individual. Find out what they like and dislike even in middle and high schools. Find what makes each child unique. Value each child in your classroom. Especially the ones that are hard to connect with, because they need that connection the most. See them as individuals. The quote from Rita Pierson in her ted talk says, “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.” This is so true if your students don’t like you, they will not learn from you. So, you need them to like you. It begins with you liking your students first.

The fourth rule for positive behavior in the classroom is to enjoy being a teacher. We are all going to have difficult days but smile and laugh with your students. Also, when you make a mistake take ownership of the mistake and say, ” Yup, I messed up.” Really enjoy being with the children. Isn’t that why we went into education to be with children and see them grow and develop? Enjoy that and share your enthusiasm with your students. When you are enthusiastic your children will also be. It will also help them overcome difficulties because it is not the end of the world if you or they make a mistake.

The last rule for positive behavior is to connect with the families. Know the families and what they are dealing with at home. Understand how to work as a team with your families. As a team, you will see the children will soar because you have a united front. Each member of the team is on the same page to help the student to be successful. Develop a relationship with the families by connecting with them over positive things that happen in the classroom. Develop ways for parents so they feel welcome in your classroom also.

When we develop ways to grow relationships and set structure kids thrive. Start this school year off with a blast by developing a classroom that understands. Show that we are all unique and individual. Accept the children for who they are. Do not change them to be who you want them to be, they have produced positive behaviors. Behaviors are an output of outcomes from the stimulus. So, create positive experiences for children and they will display positive behavior.