Behavior Basics
Finish the sentence:
Behavior is...
Learned
What is a proactive step you could take if a student escalates when given a reprimand?
Give the student corrections in a private manner
A student is in the recovery stage, what could you do to assist?
•Debriefing
–After consequences have been delivered
–Should happen when student is calm
–Should be conducted privately
What is the first phase of the escalation cycle?
Calm
Finish the sentence:
Behavior can be changed through...
An instructional approach
A student comes in every morning upset from a conflict on the bus, what could you do?
Allow the student to have a 10 minute cool down as soon as he or she comes to class
When a student starts to exhibit anxiety symptoms, what could you do?
•Interrupt the cycle early
•Empathetic, nonjudgmental check in
•Neutral tone of voice
What are some noticeable behavior changes you may see in a student experiencing anxiety? (Name 3)
Darting eyes, fidgeting in seat, tapping hands, pacing the room, starring into space, putting head on desk, disengaged from the group.
What are precipitating factors? (Name at least 3)
•Peer interaction
•Reprimand
•Academic failure
•Schedule change
•Hunger
•Lack of sleep
•Home stressors
•Physical pain
What can you do to make an environmental adjustment for a student experiencing anxiety?
•Move the student’s seat (away from a peer/window/door; closer to an adult/specific peer; individualized “office”)
•Offer student more privacy (e.g., sit behind a divider, break in hallway)
•Turn out a row of lights
•Noise cancelling headphones
When a student is in the defensive stage, what could you do?
•Neutral prompt/redirect student to engage in in appropriate behavior
•Offer choices for how to comply
•Be mindful of proximity and body language
What might happen during the defensive stage?
•Behavior increases in intensity
•Refusal to follow directions
•Verbally aggressive questioning/arguing
•Out of designated area
•Minor property destruction
What are precipitating factors?
Factors that influence behavior
Sometimes referred to as “triggers”
How often should you provide behavior specific praise?
Very often, at least at a ratio of 5 positive to 1 negative
When risk behavior is occurring, what should you do?
•Follow school crisis procedures/safety plan
•Safety is the primary concern
•Wait for certified team members to respond
•Crisis team!!
What is the purpose of debriefing?
To re-establish the communication between the student and to provide opportunities for reflection/planning for what to do next time the situation happens.
What is behavior escalation?
The cycle or stages in which conflict and/or undesirable behavior worsens and becomes more intense, serious, and possibly dangerous
How can academic adjustments be made as a proactive step?
•Short break from academics (e.g., 2-5 minutes)
•Shorten the assignment
•Highlight the instructions
The student is in a stage of tension reduction where they are exhibiting a decrease in physical and emotional energy, they may be crying or even seeking comfort. What could you do to respond to this student?
•Attempt to re-establish communication with student
•Empathetic, nonjudgmental tone and comments
•Not a time to place blame
What are the stages of the escalation cycle?
Calm, Anxiety, Defensive, Risk Behavior, Tension Reduction, Recovery