There’s a video below with more details (for teenagers & adults too!), but I’ll keep this text version really quick….
Why does it happen?
- In most societies kids have no power. The adults control everything!
- Small (and big) humans don’t like this so try to find ways to get back control.
- Kids quickly find out they can get control with “attention” If they cry, their parents come running. If they punch a kid in class, they get the attention of the teacher.
- The more attention they get, the more control they have so the behaviour continues and keeps getting more and more intense!
So, how do we stop it?
- Be conscious of where we give attention. Do we give it to the behaviour we desire in class? Or the behaviours we don’t want in class?
- Think how can we give as much power (i.e. choices ) as possible to kids who exhibit great behaviour in class?
There you go, in 99% of cases it really can be that simple!
Hope that helps, thank you for your attention 🙂 Do let me know if you have more questions in the comments and check out the video below (which talks about teenagers and adults too!)
P.S. This video is part of my free multi-part video series on how to be a better teacher. Grab a coffee and check them all out here on Facebook or here on Youtube.
Ninja Tip 2: If your students are beyond this and have real medical behavior problems then of course you need to get as much training and help as you can from the certified professionals in your area. And remember, with great power comes great responsibility. A teacher’s job isn’t to “break” kids into submission. They’re not horses 🙂 So make sure to envision the amazing adults you’d love your students to become and then use these techniques to help them get there!
Yet another awesome advice and reminder on how to get our students where we envisage them to be in the futur, in a way we can be proud of ourselves and of them! Thanks for sharing all your inspiring insight! Love your blog