Behavior is Communication
I'm a big believer that words matter. Words are powerful and, despite that "sticks and stones" rubbish, words can certainly hurt us. Therefore, when talking about "behavior management," by the…
I'm a big believer that words matter. Words are powerful and, despite that "sticks and stones" rubbish, words can certainly hurt us. Therefore, when talking about "behavior management," by the…
Build relationships, you say. Teach the behavior I want to see, you say. Build community, you say. Haven't I been doing that?? Often, the draw to visible behavior management systems…
Ahh, "behavior management." Research shows that "behavior management" is one of the top challenges for teachers, one of the factors attributed to teacher attrition, and a top priority for school…
Children learn through experience. It is our duty, as educators, to enhance and strengthen children's opportunities to explore the world, while also modeling effective communication and positive relationships. Children are…
Even the youngest of children are more perceptive than you think. They are watching. They are listening. They will mimic the people in their surroundings. Be an example. Young children…
Educational contexts will not improve until we demand professionalism of the field. That begins in teacher education. Set a high bar for faculty. Teacher education is not a place for career teachers to transition. It’s a career in and of itself with specific knowledge and skills separate from those demanded in K12 environments. Parenting is hard and no supports exist for doing it well. Everyone is not an expert on child development nor does everyone have access to an expert on child development. Unrealistic expectations abound and parents and kids struggle as a result. Every. Single. Person. is doing the best they can with what they have. Behavior is communication and serves a purpose so seek to understand rather than punish. Address the cause of the behavior rather than the behavior itself. Mistakes are unavoidable and necessary components of learning. Typical grading systems do not reflect learning. They're more reflective of compliance with teacher preferences. If you give/get attendance points, drop a letter grade for late submission, or in any other way use grades to compel behavior, you are abusing the system. Grades are communication of mastery. That's it. Not behavior. Meaningful inclusion means each and every learner is a valued member of the classroom and school community. Supports are in place in order to reach the high expectations set for each student. Fair is not always equal as we each need different supports for success. Every. Single. Family. Loves their child and is doing the absolute best they can with their specific realities. Empathy is foundational to effective teaching. What do you know? Tell me!!
Kids need to learn to share. They have to share precious resources with siblings. They have to share with others at school. Sharing is a mainstay topic on Sesame Street. …
We will dismantle beliefs about children and families that do harm and put limits on growth. We will explore how we can grow toward strengths-based approaches that celebrate the first five years and open the doors for the potential within every child.