Definition
The student may:
-Annoying and distracting to others,
-Pestering,
-Ask a lot of obvious questions,
-Make frequent and unnecessary comments and questions,
-Get out of seat frequently,
-Hands on others and in others’ space and belongings,
-Doing everything but what they should be,
-Failing to transition appropriately,
-Out of line, playing around, horse play, etc,
-Talk to others frequently,
-Throw objects,
-Yell out,
-Make noises,
-Roll on the floor, crawl under tables,
-Bother other students
Positive Praise
Tier 1: Whole class
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When: Praise when students exhibit positive behaviors, expectations, help others, show generosity, share, etc. When students succeed, overcome, persist, push through, achieve and use productive coping skills, problem solving skills, etc. When students are independent, self-start, etc. When students need encouragement or are having issues and you want to improve trust and rapport with students
Why: Provides encouragement and boosts confidence, builds rapport and trust in the teacher, increases students’ desire and drive to succeed and helps students to push through difficulties.
How: Positive praise, according to research, should always be done with every student at a ratio of at least 4 positive praises to 1 criticism. When delivering praise, use direct eye contact, positive demeanor, open body position, and get to the level of the student if possible. Make praises specific, personalized, and individualized. Praise can be done either quietly or if the student is motivated by peer approval, can be done in front of the class.
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Structured Routines
Tier 1: Whole class
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When: When a student gets off task easily, is easily frustrated, or anxious about the school day, when students presents behavior challenges or has poor attention and focus.
How: Provide a flexible visual schedule that includes words as well as pictures. Engage students in keeping track of where they and the class are in the daily routine.
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Why: Provides students with predictably which decreasing anxiety, frustration and worry and improves focus and attention.
Calm and Neutral tone
Tier 1: Whole class
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When: When you are processing a problem with a student or a student is very upset. When a students emotions are getting the better of them or are reluctant to follow directives. When a student is raising their voice, screaming, or their distress is escalating.
How: This technique takes a lot of patience, support, self-control and self-talk. You must be aware of your own physiological cues to getting angry, annoyed and frustrated. Use “I” statements, ie: “I would like for you to make a choice between doing your work at your desk or at another desk” rather than “you need to make a choice now about where you are going to do your work”. Always provide consequences to students in the most non-emotional state possible and speak in a measured and calm manner. Speak in a measured and calm manner. It is important to maintain a non threatening posture and stance, and when possible, come down to the child’s level.
Why: Using a calm and neutral tone keeps you in a calm state of mind. A student will take your lead in the way you speak and behave. Keeps the teacher in a position of authority and control and improves conflict resolution.