- Create a positive classroom environment. Distract from, or tactfully ignore, low-level examples of inappropriate behaviour when possible, and concentrate on students’ positive behaviour: ‘I’m really pleased to see you working so well as a team….’
- Never compare students with other students or siblings.
- Avoid drawing attention to a student’s needs in front of their peers.
- Show sympathy, concern and understanding. Try to solve problems collaboratively.
- Keep rules to a minimum and express them in simple, positive terms, rather than a list of ‘don’ts’.
- Enforce classroom rules consistently. Discuss them as a class, explain their purpose, and regularly review them as a class.
- Encourage students to self-assess their own behaviour against these rules. Set targets together.
- Help students feel comfortable with seeking assistance.
- Rewards should be frequent and valued by students, but only given when deserved.
- Provide rewards for on-task behaviour – working well in teams, following instructions first time, etc.
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