Create simple, helpful point sheets to zero in on target behavior and help kids improve performance.
Sometimes even small behavior issues can be a big distraction for both the individual student as well as the rest of the class or group. By creating simple behavior plans, you can help kids target one or two trouble spots, take responsibility for their own behavior, and create positive change. Here are six tips that can help.
Keep it Simple
One or two goals, three at the most, are enough for any kid. More than that and the plan starts to lose effectiveness. Don’t hammer the student with too many things to work on at once: pick the few things to start with and save the rest for later.
Involve Kids in Developing Goals
Ask the student what behaviors they think they need to work on. You might be surprised: kids are often harder on themselves than we are. Incorporate their ideas into the plan, if possible.
Put Goals Within Reach
Don’t ask kids to do the impossible; that only sets them up for failure and makes them feel frustrated and discouraged. You aren’t looking for an overnight miracle; you’re looking for small, positive steps in the right direction.
Put a Positive Spin on Goals
Goals should always be worded in the positive. “Raise hand before speaking.” Is much more helpful than “Stop calling out,” for several reasons. First, the second version sound like an admonishment rather than an attempt to help. Second, it tells the student what not to do, but doesn’t offer any replacement behavior. The first example is clear and specific, and a more empowering way to view the problem.
Get a Behavior Baseline
Once the goals are established, use the behavior plan to gather info about a typical week. The goal is to find out the current level of the student’s performance. You are going to use this data to develop targets. For example: If the plan is structured so that a student can earn between 1 and 5 points for a certain goal and they consistently earn 2 points, you might want to make 3 points the target.
Encourage Intrinsic Motivation
As kids grow older, try to move away from the token economies and food rewards. At this stage in their development, you will want to work on encouraging internal incentives. You can do this through how you talk to kids about their behavior. How does it feel to do so well? How will you feel when you show your parents what a great job you did? By developing pride and self-confidence in this way, you help kids reduce their reliance on external rewards and prizes.
Process Behavior Sheets with Kids
Try to spend some time each day reviewing the student’s behavior sheet with them. What went well? What didn’t go well? What can be different tomorrow? Avoid using this time to lecture kids: instead, spend the time praising the student for effort and success, and problem solving those areas that are still posing difficulties.
You may also be interested in Anger Management Skills for Teens or Group and Classroom Games.
