4 Types of Classroom Behaviors and How To Deal with Them

Every teacher has at least ONE student with challenging behavior. I’m sure you’ve heard about the importance of having good behavior management in the classroom in order to effectively teach your students throughout the year (easier said than done, eh?). After all, if they’re constantly acting out, how will you ever be able to successfully teach them? Managing your classroom is one of the most important things you could do. It is arguably the most crucial step to take in the beginning of the school year. But even if it’s mid-year for you, there is still hope! You might be asking yourself…”but, HOW though?”

 

Don’t fear! These simple strategies for the four most common types of classroom behaviors will give you the tools you need to take your first step in the right direction!

 

First, it’s important to know…

As stressful as it is for you as the teacher, it is much worse for the student. We never know what students are experiencing or have experienced in the past. Many times, students hold it in and don’t trust anyone enough to tell them. So, try not to take their behaviors as a direct retaliate towards you—most of the time, its a cry for help.

I’ve created an easy to follow (AND FREE!), Behavior Management Guide that you can find HERE. (print it out, carry it with you!) Inside, you will find a 3-day challenge for establishing a trust relationship with your students BEFORE you begin dealing with the behavior issues.

 

Ok, let’s get down to business! Here are the four main types of behaviors you’ll probably see in your classroom (and HOW you can respond)!

 

1. Disruptive Classroom Behavior

Disruptive behavior can not only be aggressive, but it can pretty much cancel your entire lesson if it escalates. It’s not uncommon to get a room cleared for these behaviors, which forces you to evacuate your class to the hallway in some cases. This really puts a dent in your day. So, try your hardest to address them BEFORE it gets to that point.

Talk about the rules, especially the ones they have a problem with. Calmly explain WHY that rule is important. Even when you disagree with a rule, it’s important to follow it. Give the student 2 options to choose from. For example, give them two different tasks to choose form (with the same learning goal so they aren’t getting out of doing work). If you’re working on beginning sounds during center time, give them the option to either use the worksheet or the tiles, for example. They will feel empowered because they are in control of making a choice and wont feel like you’re making them do it, which can be a trigger.

 

2. Defiant Classroom Behavior

Defiant behavior is tough. With this one, the kids really know how to push your buttons and it can be disheartening. They expect you to give up because that is what they’ve learned so far about life. But these are the kids that need the most persistence from you.

First, try to sense their mood. If they seem like they are in a bad mood, let them cool off. Give them some classroom responsibilities and allow them to be proactively involved in their learning process. Focus on positive comments versus focusing on the negative. For example, if you want them to stop tapping their pencil on their desk, avoid saying “stop tapping your pencil on your desk”. Instead, focus on telling them what you do want them to do. For example, “hey, why don’t you help me pass out these papers?” or “lets color in our first sight word now”.

 

3. Attention Seeking Classroom Behavior

Attention Seeking behavior will happen no matter what. But its up to you to decide what time of day you want it to happen–during a lesson or one-on-one attention with you during some other part of the day?

PLAN some time to spend with this student. They CRAVE attention from you and they will be determined to get it either way. So, do yourself a huge favor and chat with them one-on-one, or eat lunch with them if thats your thing. This will help prevent them from lasting out during lessons.

 

4. Disrespectful Classroom Behavior

Disrespectful behavior is the hardest for me…when a student is disrespectful to me, they’ve officially found the right button. It is so discouraging when a student disrespects you. But, it comes down to modeling respect towards the student first (I know, its HARD). But its the most effective way!

This is HARD (with a capital H-A-R-D). But I’ve learned that the best way to get them to respect you, is to model that respect. Even when they disrespect you, HOLD on tight and respond back respectfully. Respond with something  like “did I upset you, I’m sorry”. This will diffuse the situation they won’t be as defensive. Another option is to explain (calmly) how you don’t think you deserve to be treated that way. The key is to try to get them to feel compassionate for you. We want to teach our students to treat others how they want to be treated. So, we model it and encourage them to feel compassion for others when they treat others in unkind ways.

 

Dealing with challenging behaviors can be difficult. But there is always hope. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your teacher friends to help you, teach you, and support you! You’ll see it makes a world of a difference!

Until next time,
Angie

 

P.S. Need help establishing that trust relationship with your students! Sign up for my FREE e-book to get started on your 3-day challenge HERE!

 

If you love reading, I highly recommend the book Whole Brain Child–it will change your life! You can find it on amazon HERE “