Building Self-Regulation Skills and Supports How often do you observe classroom disruptions such as students being out of their seats unexpectedly, using objects like pencils or other items to tap, and making noises that seem disruptive or at the very least irritating? What about the students who frequently bump into others and have difficulty maintaining… Read More Five Effective Approaches to Address Interfering Behaviors: Classroom Disruptions
Five Effective Approaches To Address Interfering Behaviors: Attention-Seeking Behavior
Reframing Attention with Connection How many times have we observed loud and disruptive behavior in the classroom that we quickly labeled as attention-seeking? These behaviors occur when a student does something to get a response from another student or adult (Minahan & Rappaport, 2012). Unfortunately, this perspective alone may lead us to view the behavior… Read More Five Effective Approaches To Address Interfering Behaviors: Attention-Seeking Behavior
Five Effective Approaches To Address Interfering Behaviors: Student Apathy
Provide Voice & Choice “When students feel supported and have a sense of belonging, they are more likely to actively engage.” (Baker & Will, 2024) It is important for adults to remember that all behavior is communication – ours and our students’. Equally important is that we do not take student behavior personally, but rather… Read More Five Effective Approaches To Address Interfering Behaviors: Student Apathy
Meaningful Mindset Shifts for Teaching, Learning, and Community
The way we view the world, education, our classrooms, and the students and families we serve is often influenced by numerous factors including the beliefs, values, and assumptions we have developed through our experiences and environments. We may often be unaware of them, yet they are one of the primary drivers of our actions. During… Read More Meaningful Mindset Shifts for Teaching, Learning, and Community
Mindset Shifts: Building Balanced Partnerships
Intentionally shifting our mindset around shared decision-making can be scary, yet can also be empowering. Ensuring your team embraces the power of including different voices to make changes can wield truly innovative, sustainable shifts in the culture of your school. Inviting stakeholders, those who are truly representative of your community, to be active participants in… Read More Mindset Shifts: Building Balanced Partnerships
Mindset Shifts: Expanding our View of Acknowledgement
Taking an instructional approach towards behavior is critical when establishing supportive, consistent learning environments. However, while behavior specific praise is a powerful tool that helps to shape behavior in the classroom, viewing acknowledgement through a broader lens can truly transform classroom communities. Consider how simple and welcoming gestures can also serve as a supportive strategy… Read More Mindset Shifts: Expanding our View of Acknowledgement
Mindset Shifts: Language has Power
The words we use to communicate when speaking and writing have power to promote inclusion, connection, and forward momentum, OR to exclude, disconnect, and create negative experiences for others. According to the National Institute of Health, “More than 26% of adult Americans have disabilities, 45% of Americans have at least one chronic disease, and 22%… Read More Mindset Shifts: Language has Power