Understanding Behavior

Behavior Management & Modification

LARRY SCOTT Ken-Ton School District

lscott2@kenton.k12.ny.us

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Children value attention, some desire any attention- positive and negative.

Negative adult response (reprimand) can be reinforcing.

Child misbehaves Adult reprimands

Child misbehaves Adult reprimands

Break Attention-Seeking Cycle Positive Attention:

1. Pat student on shoulder2. Make eye contact & smile3. Check in with student4. Call on student5. Praise student (verbal, nonverbal, written)

6. Converse with student7. Give student a classroom task that is

desired

Break Attention-Seeking Cycle Positive attention should be provided as

frequently as negative attention seeking behavior occurs

May only be required in particular settings and times

Ignore negative attention-seeking behavior or in discrete manner redirect student back on-task

Fade positive attention as negative behavior reduces or discontinues

Noncompliance / Defiance Defiant students usually have a painful history of rejection in

personal relationships

Often perceive rejection and view adults as threatening

Defiant students often lack effective communication & negotiation skills

May act out to mask poor skills and/or insecurities

Often choose to defy to avoid/escape tasks and/or to gain control of situations/others

Noncompliance / Defiance

Conflicts / Power Struggles / Arguments involve at least two parties

Be aware of preconceptions- trivial behavior may produce angry / aggressive response and trigger resistance from student

Angry reactions (raising voice, appearing angry, or attempting to intimidate) to behavior is negative reinforcement & worsens defiance

Defiance can become deliberate strategy

Defiant students gain control with each and every angry response from adult

Nonverbal Communication with Defiant Students1. Relax and reflect on how you are feeling and will

respond

2. Model that you will not be pulled into power struggle

3. Stay outwardly calm, professional, & business-like

4. Low tone of voice

5. Establish eye contact and call student by name

6. Move toward student slowly, respect student’s space, speak privately, & sit nearby student at their level

7. Be aware of nonverbal communication- avoid mismatch with words

Verbal Communication with Defiant Students1. State directive in positive manner

2. Use clear and specific terms, but keep it brief

3. Ask open ended questions (avoid WHY questions)

4. Active Listening: summarize a person’s ideas, opinion, or point of view

5. Emotional Labeling: validate student emotion

6. I-Centered Statements

7. Strategic Pauses

Communication with Defiant Students1. Provide choice with logical consequences

2. Offer student a Face-Saving Out

3. Focus on behavior, while acknowledging that you value student

4. Do not attempt to force a student to comply

5. Avoid demands when student is upset

6. HUMOR

My Tips to Avoid Conflict

Establish relationship Random problem-solving Acknowledge student prior to stating

expectation Remove student from audience Simple nonverbal communication Time-away techniques

Strategies for Defiance / Noncompliance1. Allow student a “cool down” break when

upset / angry2. Assign reflective essay or apology after

misbehavior and student is calm3. Consequences- predetermined, fair,

consistent4. Behavior Contract5. Redirect / Distract student when showing

signs of frustration