Managing Student Behavior: 10 Go-To Tips for Teachers
Most teachers get into education with hopes of empowering the next generation. Sometimes, those dreams can be disillusioned by the reality of challenging student behaviors. When kids are disruptive, distracted, impulsive, or disrespectful, teachers can find themselves veering away from their lesson plans and into an unending power struggle.
So what can teachers do to keep students on-task, engaged, and well-behaved? Give these 10 tips a try:
1. State rules clearly
“The key to successful relationships is communicated expectations.”
Sometimes students’ poor behavior is a result of not fully grasping classroom rules. Rules clarify what your expectations are and establish rewards or consequences for how well students follow them. Keep a few simple class rules visibly posted in your classroom, and define the rewards and consequences associated with each rule.
Elementary Example:
“Our first rule is to raise your hand when you have something to ask or say. If you follow this rule, you will earn good citizen points.”
Middle/High School Example:
“Our rules during the exam are to refrain from talking and to keep your eyes on your own paper. If you break these rules, you will have to move to the corner desk to complete your exam.”
2. Redirect
When a student isn’t following directions, redirect them by calling their attention to what they should be focusing on. Do so without shaming them, as positive redirection will make them more likely to remain on task. A few good redirection tactics include:
Drawing attention to what an on-task student is doing
Requesting the disruptive student to help with a task
Ensuring the disruptive student understands the task
Elementary Example:
“I love how James is reading quietly in his seat. Amanda, show me how you read quietly in your seat.”
Middle/High School Example:
(Student doodling or playing on his cellphone) “Paul, please fill out your worksheet. Let me know if you have any questions I can help with.”
Think your student may be distracted or disruptive because of depression? Click here
3. Prepare them for transitions
Transition warnings allow students to prepare for a change. These warnings are especially important for students who thrive from structure and routine, such as kids who have ADHD or Autism.
Elementary Example:
“In 5 minutes math centers will be over and you’ll return to your seats.”
Middle/High School Example:
“Silent reading will be over in 2 minutes and you’ll begin group discussions.”
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4. Tame your tone
Teachers are human, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or frustrated when a student JUST. WON’T. LISTEN.
However, raised voices and harsh criticisms tend to stir up negative reactions in students. In many cases, a student’s behavioral problems aren’t intended; their impulsivity may be a symptom of a learning disability or executive functioning difference that makes their behavior difficult for them to control. When a student’s sass level reaches epic proportions, try to maintain a neutral facial expression and tone of voice. Remaining calm tells your student that you’re in control of your emotions, even if they’re struggling to manage theirs.
Elementary Example:
(Calmly): “Jasmine, keep your hands and feet to yourself.”
Middle/High School Example:
(Calmly) “Aaron, please keep your language appropriate.”
5. Show ‘em how it’s done
Sometimes explaining desired behaviors isn’t enough for students to fully understand them. This can be especially true if the behavior hasn’t been expected at home or in previous classes. Model the behaviors you desire to give your students a clear demonstration of what you expect.
Elementary Example:
“I’m going to rinse my paintbrushes one at a time until all of the paint is out. Now rinse yours the same way.”
Middle/High School Example:
“I’m going to show you how I document important class deadlines in my planner. Follow along and write them in yours.”
Want more support in becoming a pro at student behavior management? Contact us for a consultation to learn about our Teacher Training services.
6. Empower them with choices
While you are the classroom authority figure, students benefit from feeling a healthy level of control. Providing them with positive choices allows them to take ownership of their decisions, promoting both passion and persistence. This will inspire your students to put forth their strongest efforts.
Elementary Example:
“You have a choice. You can build your model city with clay or with Legos.”
Middle/High School Example:
“You have a choice on your speech topic. You can speak about a public figure you admire or an event in history that interests you.”
7. Use “When-Then” statements
“When-then” or “If-then” statements give students clarity on what expected behaviors are, and what will happen when they comply.
Elementary Example:
“When you use kind words, then you can have a turn.”
Middle/High School Example:
“If you attempt the extra credit riddle and get it right, then you can earn a homework pass for tonight.”
8. Allow a “do-over”
Sometimes students just need a second chance to do the right thing, and when you politely give them that opportunity, they’ll rise to the occasion.
Elementary Example: (After student carelessly shoves papers in their backpack): “Payton, please place your papers neatly in your folder before putting them in your backpack.”
Middle/High School Example:(After student accuses another student of being clueless during a class debate): “Madison, please share your opinion again without accusations or name-calling.”
9. Recover with grace
When tensions get high, both students and teachers can get worked up. As the classroom leader, you have the power to cut through the tension and help students return to a positive mood. Do so by praising your student when they comply with your commands.
Elementary Example:
(After a disruptive student stands still in line): “I love how you’re lined up so nicely!”
Middle/High School Example:
(After student puts their cellphone away): “You’re doing an excellent job staying on task. Great work!”
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10. Bring Teacher Training to your school
Each student comes with different emotional, behavioral, and academic demands. At times it can feel impossible to navigate all of their needs while focusing on teaching your curriculum. Our Educational Psychologists can provide on-campus training to empower you with practical, evidence-based strategies for effective behavioral management.
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References:
Shinn. M.M. (2019). 8 Tips to Calm Your Kid While Keeping Your Cool. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/8-tips-to-calm-your-kid-while-keeping-your-cool
Shinn. M.M. (2018). ADHD or Just Kids Being Kids? 10 Tips to Be Your Most-Confident-You. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/adhd-or-just-kids-being-kids
Shinn. M.M. (2019). Could My Teen Have Autism? Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/could-my-teen-have-autism
Shinn. M.M. (2018). Life Success: Is It About Persistence or Following Your Passion? 10 Tips to Be Your Most-Confident-You. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/life-success-is-it-about-persistence-or-following-your-passion
Shinn. M.M. (2019). Preventing Student Suicide with Just a Few Simple Questions. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/preventing-student-suicide-with-just-a-few-simple-questions
Shinn. M.M. (2019). The Teacher’s TCIT School-Kit. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/the-teachers-tcit-toolkit
Shinn, M. M., & UC Davis PCIT Training Center (2019) Course of Treatment Manual for PCIT-TC. Unpublished Manuscript. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5993624ea803bb955170130a/t/5c8e78b0c8302569d10fdb51/1552840881981/PRIDE+Skills+for+Teacher+-+Shinn%2C+2019%2C+Variations+Psychology+v.BW3.19.pdf
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How to Cite This Blog Article:
Shinn. M.M. (2020). Managing Student Behavior: 10 Go-To Tips for Teachers. Psychologically Speaking. [Variations Psychology blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.variationspsychology.com/blogs/managing-student-behavior-10-go-to-tips-for-teachers