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According to a new Teacher Tapp survey, behaviour has overtaken workload as a top concern for primary schools, with teachers reporting increasing behavioural challenges since returning to schools after the pandemic. In fact, more than three-quarters of teachers (76 per cent) have said that pupil misbehaviour stopped or interrupted teaching last year. 

But what can teachers do to get a handle on student behaviour? The answer lies in creating and consistently implementing a tailored behaviour policy and behaviour management strategies. Keep reading to learn more. 

The importance of behaviour management strategies in primary schools 

Working with students at such a young age means helping them to understand what appropriate behaviour is and how to manage their emotions. Whilst they will also be learning this at home, different environments and situations call for different behaviours. Having behaviour management strategies in place will help them to understand this. 

Meanwhile, for teachers, a good behaviour management strategy gives them the tools and techniques they need to instil fundamental behaviours in primary children that encourages a positive learning environment and fosters academic success.  

These behaviours will also set them up for further learning as they get older – key behaviours such as mutual respect, cooperation and a desire to solve and resolve problems.  

How to create an effective behaviour management policy for a primary school 

Behaviour management is a key priority for schools across the country but to properly get a handle on behaviour, an effective behaviour management policy is essential. Your policy should reflect the unique behaviours and needs of your school, but should serve the following functions:  

1. Set expectations   
2. Promote consistency   
3. Support positive behaviour   
4. Provide a framework for discipline   
5. Outline consistent consequences   

The top 5 behaviour management strategies for primary schools 

Set clear guidelines and expectations 

With behaviour cited as a for primary schools, primary aged children need clear guidance on how they are expected to behave. These guidelines should be short and simple, e.g. 

• Keep your hands and feet to yourself 

• Don’t talk when someone else is talking 

• Be honest 

• Don’t use hurtful words 

• Be kind 

Positive reinforcement techniques 

Positive reinforcement can stop bad behaviour before it begins. However, the praise must be specific and in relation to whatever positive action has taken place for it to resonate. This technique encourages children to act positively and work hard. Additionally, when praise is done publicly, it can encourage the entire class to follow suit (although, private praise can strengthen relationships).  

Counting down from ten 

Establishing a countdown routine allows children to finish up their conversation and get ready for the next instruction. This is a polite and fair way to gain their attention without abruptly silencing them and potentially causing further disruption.  

Some students may even join in with the countdown, to which teachers can use praise to reinforce the importance and benefits of following the rule.  

Use a red/yellow card system  

A red/yellow card system is a great way for young children to understand the severity of behaviours. In the first instance of poor behaviour, they receive a yellow card as a warning. In the second instance, they receive a red card – a penalty. This warning system gives them a chance to understand and correct their behaviour before punishment is given. 

Create a sense of classroom pride and community 

Encouraging primary students to get involved in classroom décor and jobs in the classroom to give them a sense of pride, responsibility and community. This also allows them to make decisions in this process, giving them a sense of ownership. When children take pride in the environment and feel a part of a community, it encourages better behaviour. 

Try Tes Class Charts for effective behaviour management 

Class Charts by Tes is smart, yet easy to use behaviour management software that makes it easier for teachers to keep on top of classroom behaviour and focus more time on what really matters – pupil success.   

Featuring simple tools to give rewards, manage behaviour and even optimise seating plans, Class Charts helps schools create a positive learning environment that helps pupils to reach their full potential.  

Download our free guide today to learn more about Class Charts and how it can help manage behaviour at your school.  

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