Behavior …. that is not “Behavior”…

(Or, “Tips and Tools to Help Regulate Your Kids … and You!”)

Sara E. GaynorEarly Childhood/MSN Educator

Reducing Behavior Problems Proactively“Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom”

~ a study conducted by the Institute of Education Sciences

Recommended Strategies & Level of Evidence attached to each:

Recommendation Level of Evidence

Identify the specifics of the problem behavior and the conditions that prompt and reinforce it. (ABCs of Applied Behavioral Analysis).

Moderate

Modify the classroom learning environment to decrease the problem behavior.

Strong

Teach and reinforce new skills to increase appropriate behavior and preserve a positive classroom climate.

Strong

Draw on relationships with professional colleagues and families for continued guidance and support.

Moderate

Assess whether school wide behavior problems warrant adopting school wide strategies or programs and, if so, implement ones shown to reduce negative and foster positive behavior.

Moderate

Modify the environment to decrease problem behaviorIdentify “triggers” (non-preferred subjects or activities, time of day, environmental,

physiological) and take steps to reduce the impact of those triggersStrategy Classroom Home

Pre-alerts for events/activities that may “trigger” a negative reaction or behavior

Clear ScheduleRemindersCreate a “Plan”Provide Incentives

Clear ScheduleRemindersCreate a “Plan”Provide Incentives

Clear Behavioral Expectations

Classroom Behavior SystemIndividual Behavior SystemsVisual and tied to interests, needs and incentives

Family Behavior SystemIndividual Behavior SystemVisual and tied to interests, needs and incentives

Clear, Visual Schedule/Routines

Visual daily classroom scheduleIndividual task schedules

Clear visual of “must do” activities for the dayBuilt in time for choices once “must dos” are done

Strategy Classroom Home

Create a “successful” environment

Physical arrangement that is conducive to learningCreate a positive emotional climateIncorporate tools/strategies for use by all students

Consider the space:• A homework spot• A “Chill out” spot• A play spotSet parameters for each “spot” that are clear to all family members

Consider individual needs and strengths

Be cognizant of student interests and incorporate them into learning whenever possibleBe aware of areas of strength as well as challenge: Provide mentoring opportunities in areas of strength and extra support in areas of challenge

Be mindful of your child’s strengths and challenges. Provide opportunities for them to showcase their strengths and be mindful of inadvertently exposing areas of challenge. Have open family discussions about this – let your child see you “mess up” – then recover!

Teach and Reinforce new skills to increase appropriate behavior and preserve a positive climate.Strategy Classroom Home

Teach empathy and acceptance

• Incidental teaching• Classroom climate • Bucket Filling• Community service projects• Helping younger or special

needs peers• Recognizing that everyone

has strengths & challenges

• Incidental teaching• Home climate/modeling• Bucket filling• Community service projects• Helping siblings• Caring for pets• Helping mom & dad• Recognizing that everyone

has strengths & challenges

Teach emotional regulation • 5 Point Scale• The Zones of Regulation• Big Problem/Little Problem• Good Sport Checklist• Verbalizing/seek help• Yoga/Brain Gym/Quiet spot• Modeling

• 5 Point Scale• The Zones of Regulation• Big Problem/Little Problem• Good Sport Checklist• Verbalizing/seek help• Yoga/Brain Gym/Quiet spot• Modeling

And don’t forget the power of imagination and magic!

Helpful WebsitesSocial Skills Tools and Strategies:www.socialthinking.com www.wedolisten.org (Howard B. Wigglebottom books and resources)www.sandbox-learning.com (create individualized social stories on a wide variety of topics)www.5pointscale.com www.zonesofregulation.comwww.bucketfillers101.comwww.braingym.orgwww.yogakids.com

Visuals:www.lessonpix.com (customize visuals for schedules, behavior charts, games, etc. – membership is $36/year for unlimited access)

And of course, many apps and PINTEREST!!(see handout)

Have a happy and PEACEFUL holiday season!