All Things Class

Welcome to the first episode from Season 2 of Teaching with CLASS  - Reframing "Challenging" Behavior and Why Our Response Matters with our host @Mamie Morrow TS and our amazing guest @Michelle Galindo TS!

Behavior Management, guiding positive behavior, and encouraging self-regulation is a topic we can all relate to, no matter our role. Can you think of a time when you struggled to support positive behavior with a child? How were you able to overcome this challenge, and do you have any tips or tricks to share with others?

How can we get away from using the term "challenging behavior" as a label? How can we collaborate with our network of parents, administrators, coaches, etc. to intentionally change the way we approach unsafe or unhealthy behavior? Things to ask ourselves: What is the child trying to express? How can I guide these children to express themselves in a safe or healthy way? 

Straregies shared by Michelle during the episode:

Modeling Composure to support self regulation

• Being aware of Adult emotional triggers or strong emotions and practicing regulating and managing them by deep breathing and using positive self talk. Remaining calm yet intentional during interactions to respond to children's needs vs. reacting by impulse or emotional trigger.

Creating a safe space to release strong emotions 

• A physical space where children can independently process emotions that is visible to adults for close supervision. Create a space with children's input for safely expressing strong emotions using: mirrors, soft objects, family photos, feelings charts and other visuals displaying emotions.

Acknowledging Feelings while stating a boundary: 

• Naming the feeling/emotion during a conflict and narrating the action or behavior that was unsafe or unhealthy. Labeling the feeling through verbal affirmations or physical safe touch while stating the boundary (unsafe or unhealthy action/behavior)

Other resources:

• Behavior Guidance Is as Easy as PB&J
• Behavior Management in the Classroom
• More Behavior Guidance Strategies