51ºÚÁÏ

Managing challenging behaviour in the classroom can be difficult, time consuming and can severely impact the wellbeing of teachers over time. However, there are a number of strategies and tools available to help make this process a little easier. Keep reading for some simple tips to manage and prevent challenging behaviour in your classroom.Ìý

Managing challenging behaviour in the classroomÌý

When pupils persistently behave in a challenging way, it can be a sign that something is wrong, or that they may be in distress. Children and young people go through lots of changes during their school years and naturally challenge boundaries. Often, this is relatively normal and nothing to be overly concerned about; they will usually grow out of it. However, some children get stuck in a pattern of behaviour and struggle to develop a way to manage their emotions and overall behaviour.Ìý

For others it may simply be boredom or attention-seeking. Or there may be environmental factors, medical issues, development factors or communication difficulties at play that result in challenging behaviours.Ìý

Teachers and school staff need to learn to identify why children act out in order to find a solution to their behaviours. Let’s look at some of the most common examples of challenging behaviour to learn more.Ìý

Examples of challenging behaviour in the classroomÌý

Challenging behaviour in the classroom can refer to any type of behaviour that disrupts the class or is difficult for the teacher to manage. For example:Ìý

• Disruptive behaviour – e.g. talking out of turn, interrupting or distracting the classÌý

• Defiant behaviour – e.g. refusing to follow rules or direction, challenging authority or being non-compliantÌý

• Aggressive behaviour – including physical aggression such as hitting or kicking, or verbal aggression such as shouting or threateningÌý

• Inattentive behaviour – e.g. difficulty paying attention, following instructions or staying on-taskÌý

• Hyperactive behaviour – e.g. excessive talking, fidgeting or difficulty staying stillÌý

Note that challenging behaviour doesn’t necessarily mean bad behaviour. Pupils struggling with something or with learning difficulties (especially if undiagnosed) can also be challenging for teachers to manage.ÌýÌý

How to deal with challenging behaviour in the classroomÌý

Teachers need to be aware of the various types of challenging behaviours, what may be causing them, and find a way to tailor their approach towards the students exhibiting challenging behaviour. Below you’ll find two key strategies for managing this.ÌýÌý

Strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour in the classroomÌý

Ìý

Promote positive behaviourÌý

The most effective method adopted by teachers when attempting to manage challenging behaviour is to prevent it occurring in the first place. This is based on the assumption that most behaviours are learned and, therefore, positive behaviours can also be learned. Key strategies for promoting positive behaviour include:Ìý

• Develop clear and simple classroom rules (such as raising your hand if you want to speak) and reinforce positive actions with praise or reward. Most children respond to attention, therefore a focus on positive behaviour should reinforce positive behaviourÌý

• Give simple instructions and clear consequences. Children receive countless instructions throughout the day. As such, it’s imperative that these instructions are clear and easy to follow. It is also important that children understand the consequences of what will happen if they don’t complyÌý

ABC - Antecedent, behaviour and consequenceÌý

The ABC model is designed to help individuals better understand the key components of behaviour, including what may cause it and the consequences that follow. By understanding this information, a teacher may be able to decrease the likelihood of it occurring in the future.Ìý

Analysing the antecedent can help to identify reasons for the challenging behaviour. It’s important to understand what is causing the behaviour to be able to effectively manage it.ÌýÌý

Additionally, analysing the behaviour itself and any patterns may help teachers to tackle behaviours in small steps, rather than addressing problems as a whole, which may be less effective. This analysis may also help teachers to prevent reoccurrence of similar behaviours.Ìý

Finally, it’s equally important to review the consequences of behaviours. For example, for children that seek attention, their behaviour may be seen as a success if it results in negative attention from the teacher. In extreme situations, for children who are sent home for bad behaviour, consider if this was the desired outcome for the child. Any response to bad behaviour should be fair, consistent and the least disruptive path necessary.ÌýÌý

Learn more about effective behaviour management strategies in our blog, Managing behaviour in schools - the best approaches to behaviour management that also support teacher workloadÌý

Discover Class Charts

A good behaviour management strategy is the key to successfully managing pupil’s behaviour. However, there are tools available to make this process that much easier whilst also ensuring consistency across the school.Ìý

Tes Class Charts is a simple classroom management tool designed to help teachers reclaim teaching time lost to administrative tasks, including those associated with behaviour management. With simple and easy-to-use tools, Class Charts makes it easier for teachers to focus on what really matters – pupil success.   Ìý

Learn more about how Class Charts can transform your school in our dedicated blog, 6 ways Class Charts can transform your school .

Download guide