Teacher Tip: Accentuate the Positive
Do you struggle to manage behavior in your group or say “no” a lot?
Instead of focusing on students' negative behavior, try to find positive things happening in your classroom. Maybe a few students are engaged and participating, or a student who usually struggles is making progress. Celebrate these positive moments and use them to motivate yourself and your students. Here are some tips:
Look for the good: Instead of focusing on the negative behavior, look for the students who are behaving well and praise them. For example, "I notice Jacinda is ready to learn: her pencil is down, her notebook is closed, and her eyes are on me." Or, "I saw George and Alec find a way to take turns using the materials for the experiment, and they also checked each other's data in their notebooks." This makes students feel good and reminds others what is expected of them.
Use positive reinforcement: Instead of focusing on the negative behavior, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Reward students who are listening and participating with praise, stickers, or other incentives.
Stay calm: It's important to stay calm and composed when your students are not listening. Getting frustrated or angry will only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and try to approach the situation with a positive attitude. Instead of using negative language like "stop talking," try using positive language like "let's listen and learn together." This creates a more positive and collaborative atmosphere in the classroom.
By flipping the switch and focusing on the positive, you and the students will have a great, engaging experience.
