In a conversation recently I was asked what do I teach. My answer was "I teach reading, math, writing, and behavior." The person I was talking to looked shocked. 'What do you mean you teach behavior?', was written all over her face. In public education we have focused a lot of attention on math, reading, writing, science, and social studies but one area we hear about in the news is the increasingly maladaptive behavior of many of our children served in public schools.
As a behavior support room teacher I have the opportunity to explictly teach behavior and what I am truly teaching is appropriate methods of communication. As many people know violent, aggressive, defiant behaviors are all means of communication. Think about it, when a person has engaged in a fight they are attempting to communicate that "I did not like something you did", however they feel they are unable to use their words to communicate that message. Or when a child runs away and attempts to hide it could mean that they are not feeling safe.
Behavior support is all about teaching appropriate communication. I have been learning so much and I am excited to share ways that people may be able to support their students, or their own child in the area of behavior by increasing their ability to communicate their messages in a safe, respectful, and independent manner.
Be sure to check out The Behavior Teacher every Friday for new tips, strategies and resources.
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