Behavior Management

1. Behavior Management Presented by Lynn Mebius Past Director of Spartan’s P.A.S.S. Wessington Springs After School Program

2. Outline • Enduring question • Overview of eight behavior management techniques • Explanation of each technique • Question period • Participants will develop a demonstration of an assigned behavior management techniques • Group presentations. • Wrap up.

3. Which behavior management technique works the best for after school programs?

4. Time Out Proximity Control Redirection Which Planned Ignoring behavior management technique works the best for after school programs? Support Signal from Interference routine Removal of Self- seductive Discipline objects

5. Proximity Control • Many times the proximity of an authority figure results in the discontinuation of unacceptable behaviors. • Teachers use this in the classroom to reduce the level of conversation. • Proximity is useful to those children who a experiencing anxiety and frustration as a calming effect. • Video

6. Time Out • This discipline technique is very useful in after school programs. • Time out is a way to remove a child from activities and allow them to regain their composure. • The child placed in time out should be made aware of the inappropriate behavior they were displaying and instructed in the appropriate behavior expected. • At the end of the time out period, remind the child of their inappropriate behavior and reinforce the appropriate behavior. • Video

7. Redirection • A possible behavior issue can be avoided or quickly prevented if you change what the student is doing through redirection. • Just find something else for the child to channel their energies into or involve them in another activity.

8. Self-discipline • Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s own behavior. Children who are self-disciplined make independent choices based on what they believe is right. They can accept the results of their actions. • Adults need to provide positive guidance that teaches children to make their own decisions, tell the difference between right and wrong, solve problems and correct their own mistakes.

9. Ways to encourage self-discipline • Create a schedule that allows children to choose from a variety of activities. • Store equipment and materials where children can reach them. • Involve children in setting limits and making rules. • Plan games and activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition • Involve children in planning activities and selecting materials and equipment that match their skills and interest.

10. Speak to children with the same tone and respect you use with adults. • Redirect children from inappropriate to appropriate behavior. • Give children opportunities to handle their disagreements without adult assistance. • Discuss children’s misbehavior in private conversation. • Allow children to experience the natural and logical consequences of their actions.

11. Planned Ignoring • Some children engage in unacceptable behavior in an effort to gain attention. • The teacher simply ignores the disruptive behavior. • When attention-seeking behaviors are ignored, they become nonfunctional and decrease in frequency.

12. Support From Routine • We all like to know our daily schedule. Children are no exception. It is very important for children with behavior problems that they be provided with a schedule and a routine. • The schedule can be posted or announced at the beginning the after school day.

13. Signal Interference • A nonverbal technique is used to interfere with unacceptable behavior. • A way to to help the disruptive child “save face” with his or her peers and keep the disruption from escalating. Can also save a shy child form unnecessary embarrassment.

14. Removal of Seductive Objects • Occasionally misbehavior occurs because the student has available some object of attention that is distracting. • Confiscate objects and let the child know you will return it to them at the end of the day. • It is best to train the children to store personal objects in their bags. This avoids distractions and personal items from being broken.

15. Remember to treat children with the same respect we use with adults.

16. Time Out Proximity Control Redirection Which Planned behavior Ignoring management technique works the best for after school programs? Support Signal from Interference routine Removal of Self- seductive Discipline objects

17. Your Turn • Come up with a solution to the following scenario using the behavior management technique I assigned you. • Scenario: Kathy arrives at the program and sits next to Jack, who is making a clay sculpture. Kathy asks Jack if he wants to play with Legos but he tells her he’d rather stay at table and work on his sculpture. Kathy then begins to poke at his sculpture with a pencil.

18. Summary • Which behavior management technique works best for after school programs? • That is up to each site and the people who work there. It also depends on the situation. • We discussed and role-played eight different strategies you could possibly use. • Which one works the best for you?

19. References • Christianson, Jenny (2001). Encouraging Self-Discipline, Family Life Educator,Sioux Valley CHILD Services • Walker, James E./Shea Thomas M.(1991). Behavior Management, Behavior Influence Techniques. 187-191