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Why is your child misbehaving during school work?
Why is your child misbehaving during school work?
Opposition to school work is common and can be very frustrating. Even more frustrating is when we don't understand why a child is acting the way they are. Typically there are four common functions of a behavior such as refusal: sensory reasons, to gain attention, to gain a tangible item, or to escape/avoid a task. It is helpful to determine which of the three applies to your child in order to properly address the behavior.
Opposition to school work is common and can be very frustrating. Even more frustrating is when we don't understand why a child is acting the way they are. Typically there are four common functions of a behavior such as refusal: sensory reasons, to gain attention, to gain a tangible item, or to escape/avoid a task. It is helpful to determine which of the three applies to your child in order to properly address the behavior.
Sensory
Sensory
Attention
Attention
Escape/Avoidance
Escape/Avoidance
Tangible Items
Tangible Items
The behavior is calming to the child.
- Allow a time and place that the behavior is appropriate
- Give the child some time alone
- Provide alternative strategies to calm your child
The behavior gains your or someone else's attention (positive or negative).
- Ignore the behavior. Do not give them the attention they are seeking until they gain it appropriately.
- Teach alternative ways to gain your attention (raise hand, say excuse me, etc.)
- Reinforce positive behaviors immediately and every time they occur!
The behavior allows your child to escape or avoid the task.
- Probably the most common in terms of refusing to do work.
- Ask child why they do not want to do the work. Do they not understand? Are they bored? Is it too much? Work to understand the reason.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Chunk assignments into smaller parts.
- Praise task initiation (when a child starts work independently)
- Use timers and set goals.
- Provide if/then options (If you complete the math worksheet, then we can take a break and get a snack).
The behavior allows the child to gain something tangible (such as a toy).
- Have a large assortment of reinforcers (things that children earn when they demonstrate positive behavior).
- Make preferred activities and items part of the day. A schedule helps children understand there is a time and place that they can use their favorite items.
- Teach your child how to ask "when" questions to teach time management and acceptance.
Resources for The Four Functions of Behavior
Resources for The Four Functions of Behavior
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