The Phenomenal Student: Behavior
Student behavior. It seems that teachers, at times, talk about that more than kid’s academic ability. So, I found it fitting to make it part of The Phenomenal Student rating scale.
But before I reveal my behavior rubric, I wanted to share a few techniques that helped me turn problem child’s into performers.
- Build A Relationship: Rule number one for improving student behavior is building a relationship with them. It’s the foundation of what we do. Once you build that relationship, it’ll make it easier for students, especially the troubled ones, to trust you with information that will help effectively manage them.
- Don’t Take It Personal: The best piece of advice that I got was to “never take it personal.” We must remember that these are children, not adults. They’re going to say and do wrong thing sometimes. Allow them that space to grow.
- Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff: Kids with issues aren’t going to change in one year. In most cases, it takes years. So, focus on their behavioral growth, not on the small behaviors (i.e.: running in the hall, being playful, inappropriate language). We must remember that they may not know better.
- Keep Them Engaged: I’m a high-energy teacher who jumps on tables and does chants. But I know that every teacher doesn’t roll that way. On the same token, you must find a way to keep kids engaged and enjoy the learning process. Because if you don’t fill in the blanks, they will.
- Limit Parent Phone Calls: Parents are a resource , but they shouldn’t be overused. Only call them for major infractions. Otherwise, your power will erode, and the student won’t trust you. In turn, their behavior will worsen in your classroom. Think about it. Do you respond positively to someone who is always telling on you?
Dealing with student behavior isn’t a one-stop shop, but those are a few techniques that have been effective for me early in my teaching career.
To the The Phenomenal Student Rubric. I tried to remove the subjectivity from it by basing the rating on office/counselor referrals.
Why counselor referrals? While teachers focus on disruptive behavior(cursing, flipping desk and bullying), kids that keep up mess cause problems in classrooms, too. Phenomenal Students enhance the educational process, not distract from it.
The sample rubric.
Tomorrow: The Phenomenal Student(Leadership)
Jeremiah Short, Influencer/Teacher
https://thephenomenalstudent.com/2019/04/09/the-phenomenal-student-efficacy/
The Phenomenal Student 