Managing Behavior

Prompt Management of Inappropriate Behavior

      Four simple ways to manage inappropriate behavior

1.      Make eye contact with or move closer to the student.  Use a signal, such as a finger to the lips or a head shake, to prompt the appropriate behavior.  Monitor until the student complies.

2.      If the student is not following a procedure correctly, a simple reminder of the correct procedure may be effective.  You can either state the correct procedure or note other students who are doing what is expected.

3.      When the student is off task – that is, not working on an assignment – redirect his or her attention to the task: “Robert(a), you should be writing not.”  Or “Ricki, the assignment is to complete all of the problems on the page.”  Check the student’s progress shortly thereafter to make sure that work is continuing.”

4.      Ask or tell the student to stop the inappropriate behavior.  Then monitor until it stops and the student begins constructive activity.