Supporting 

Behavior

What does it mean to 'support behavior'?

Maintaining a positive and effective learning environment in which students feel safe and successful will make day-to-day classroom operations smoother and less stressful. Effective classroom environments enable staff and students to spend more time focusing on learning and less time navigating through challenges.  Paraeducators often work with students who struggle meeting expectations for classroom behavior. Supporting behavior may range from a universal approach (for all students) to a targeted/intensive approach (individualized) depending on the needs of the school, classroom, and students.  If a student has a behavior intervention plan (BIP), paraeducators may help to implement the plan. If the team needs documentation about how behavioral interventions are working, paraeducators may take notes throughout the day.  


First and foremost, in GGUSD, behavior support is positive, compassionate and should always preserve the dignity of the child.  

What supporting behavior might 

Look like:

Demonstrating care, compassion, and empathy 

Being knowledgeable of and supporting routines, classroom norms,  and transitions

Modeling skills and strategies

Addressing behavior/needs in a timely and positive manner

Being calm, attentive, and proactive

Providing scaffolds and individualized support 

Consistency and predictability

Sound like:

5:1 rule:  5 praises for every 1 correction

Frontloading:  "We're going to finish writing in 2 minutes.  If you're not done when the timer goes off, there will be time to continue working on it after Math." 

Focus on the Positive: "I really appreciate the way you raised your hand and waited for the teacher to call on you."

When/Then: "When your materials are neatly put away, then we can go to Music class."

Us vs. The Problem:  "How can we make sure everyone can walk down the aisle without tripping?" 

At a Glance Slides Deck

I have yet to meet a child who enjoys misbehaving.  Rather, I see a child who is working to communicate a message about an unmet need in increasingly desperate and extreme ways. 

Dr. Vanessa Lapointe