the Interactive Guide to
Behaviour Management
for Trainee and Newly Qualified Teachers
Case studies: Special educational needs
Kane is defiant and verbally aggressive towards adults
Module 7
Sharpening your skills
To motivate and manage pupils who are displaying challenging behaviours you could
- Re-read Kane’s Statement of SEND and IBP to be aware of his academic and personal needs
- Met with the School SENDCo to discuss key issues or any change in home circumstances
- Check that recommended strategies are built into your classroom practices
Take opportunities to boost self-esteem
- Praise his work in the science practical experiments etc
- Give him an important task to do in class
- Acknowledge the smallest sign of a positive social behaviour and give praise/reward
Keep communication simple
- Keep instructions short, sharp and clear
- Point to classroom rules and posters displayed on the wall
- Comment on key behaviour targets on his Report Card
- Do not get into a debate or lengthy discussions
- Have low key chats, rather than giving public warnings and reprimands
- Give lots of praise and positive feedback both verbal and non-verbal
Build in success. Plan tasks that
- Are within his capabilities, quick to complete, success orientated
- Are differentiated so that Kane’s educational needs are being met
- Offer small, step by step development tasks
- Promote a feel good factor and boost his confidence
Plan for wanted behaviour
- Maintain the normal classroom rules for Kane
- Involve the T.A. in your planning. Use her experience
- Count to 10 (internally), praise others and walk away to calmly open the door to defuse the situation
- Apply the School Sanctions immediately for swearing, aggressive and challenging