New to Teaching: Understanding Behaviour

While teaching and learning is, of course, the key focus of school life, we cannot deliver engaging, purposeful and challenging lessons unless we have created optimal learning conditions.

Central to any successful learning environment is behaviour. After all, it is difficult, if not impossible, to teach effectively unless students are engaging in positive learning behaviours, both individually and collectively.

As the lead learner in the classroom, it is your responsibility to understand and support the behaviour of children and young people. This is sometimes easier said than done, and there will invariably be challenges along the way.

However, by understanding behaviour as communication, you can approach behaviour support with compassion and curiosity, and create a healthy, safe and happy learning environment for every student, as well as for yourself.

Part 2 of this eBook series is split into 6 chapters, each looking at a different element of behaviour:

• • Chapter 1: What do we mean by ‘behaviour as communication’?

• • Chapter 2: Understanding ‘low-level’ behaviour

• • Chapter 3: Managing rudeness

• • Chapter 4: What to do when a student hides or runs away

• • Chapter 5: Exploring physical behaviour

• • Chapter 6: Final thoughts

By the end, you will have a better understanding of why you might be seeing certain behaviours and be equipped with a toolkit of practical strategies to try in your own classroom.

Download Part 1: Lesson Management.