The Positive Classroom Strategies for Building a Positive
The Positive Classroom Strategies for Building a Positive Classroom
The Positive Action Program � 26 years of research, evaluation, and development �Implemented in 13, 000 schools �“Education has to work for all stakeholders. ”
1. Make Learning Relevant �Students retain more and are more engaged when they see that school work is relevant and vital to their own success and happiness. �Discover students talents, learning styles, and interests so teachers can adjust instructional methods and strategies. �Giving students a say in how the classroom operates increases their ownership in the education process.
2. Create a Classroom Code of Conduct �A positive classroom requires a common understanding of positive and negative behaviors. � Teachers should ask students to identify how they want to be treated. � From this discussion lists of behaviors that are respectful, fair, kind, and empathetic emerge. � Teacher and student agree that this code will dictate appropriate behaviors in the classroom.
3. Teach Positive Actions �Don’t assume that students know how to act. Teach them. �Point out the importance of doing positive actions to feel good about yourself. �Teach actions for a healthy body (nutrition, exercise, and sleep) �Teach actions for intellect (thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills)
3. Teach Positive Actions cont. �Teach actions for self-management (managing time, energy, emotions, and other personal resources) �Teach actions for getting along with others (treating others fairly, kindly, and respectfully) �Teach actions for being honest with yourself and others (taking responsibility, admitting mistakes, and not blaming others)
3. Teach Positive Actions cont. �Teach positive actions for improving yourself continually (such as setting and achieving goals)
4. Instill Intrinsic Motivation Three step process for choosing positive actions 1. We have a thought. 2. We act consistently with the thought. 3. We experience a feeling about ourselves based on the action. That feeling leads to another action and the cycle repeats. Change negative thoughts to positive thoughts. Reinforcement by the teacher.
5. Reinforce Positive Behaviors �Use “recognition items/activities” (stickers, tokens, certificates, celebrations) �Remind students of the good feelings associated with positive actions. �Students need to make a connection between their positive actions and feeling good about themselves.
6. Engage Positive Role Models �Families and Community Members that are concerned about children’s education. �Integrate them into many classroom and school activities. �Curriculum activities, assemblies, committees, after-school events, and homework.
7. Always Be Positive �Most important, yet most difficult to carry out. �Look for the positive way to respond to a situation. �“A positive attitude is the change agent that will create positive classrooms and schools that produce happy and successful students. ”
What about when things go wrong? (crisis) �Take care of yourself! �Know your job. • • Safety and Supervision Positive Learning Environment (Instruction) Be a positive role model Keep at it.
Why do people act up? � Lack of sleep � Sickness � Hunger � Tantrums – unmet � Over stimulated � Pressure � Boredom � Bad day � Want attention needs Recognizing factors that lead to crisis can help you avert one.
Precipitating Factors and Triggers �Staff • • Related Overly demanding Ignoring student Horse-playing with student Yelling or talking harshly with students
Precipitating Factors and Triggers �Peer • • related triggers Teasing by other students Horse-play Stealing Cursing
Precipitating Factors and Triggers �Environmental • • Triggers Being too hot or cold Wanting to be somewhere else Restricted movement in room Any discomfort caused by environment
Precipitating Factors and Triggers �Event • • related triggers Unstructured time Lunch P. E. Assemblies
Precipitating Factors and Triggers �Other • • Triggers Anxiety Autism Spectrum Bi-Polar Being tired, hungry, thirsty
Cycle of Unmet Need Behavior Our Response
Communicate 1. � � � Create Positive Contact Use complements Speak Softly Make eye contact Use Humor Seek their interests
Communicate 2. Find The Need � Ask what is wrong � Repeat back to show understanding � Observe and Track � Show empathy � Ask: who, what, where, when, how, but don’t ask why.
Communicate 3. Explore Options �Ask individual what has worked and how well �Provide choices �Talk with previous teachers, co-workers, administration, parents �Encourage individual to brain-storm a solution �Be supportive/redirect
Questions and Comments? �Soon to follow with be a school-wide Positive Behavioral Support initiative. �Next in series will be How to Understand the Digital Age Generation.
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