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Writer's pictureKarin & Marlize

Trusted Secrets to Decoding Student Behaviour & Managing Emotions in Class

If you're like me, every day in the classroom can sometimes feel like a new adventure in patience and problem-solving. Whether it’s the never-ending cycle of explaining instructions multiple times or the chaos of managing transitions and behaviour, the challenges are real and they are relentless.


But, hey, we’re in this together, right? So, let’s break down these common frustrations and tackle them with some practical strategies that have worked for me and might just work for you too!


Understanding classroom behaviour

The Real Classroom Struggles


First off, let’s talk about re-explaining instructions. Nothing tests your patience quite like having to repeat yourself over and over again. It’s draining, isn’t it?


And then, there are the rough transitions. Moving from one activity to another shouldn’t feel like herding cats, but sometimes it does.


Don’t get me started on the lack of attention to detail in assignments. It’s like, do they even hear us when we stress the importance of following instructions?


And, of course, there's the big one—struggles with organisation and time management. Watching students scramble last minute is just as stressful for us as it is for them.



What We Really Want


Ideally, we want a classroom where students are emotionally stable, instructions are absorbed quickly, and the day flows without interruptions. We aim for attentiveness and precision in our students' work and hope they can manage their time and emotions effectively.


Our Secret Fears


Behind all these efforts, though, lurks the fear that we might not get through the curriculum in time, or worse, that our students will lag because they can’t manage these basic skills. We fear burnout, too, from the constant stress of managing these issues.


Our Go-To Strategies for Smoother Days


Let’s get down to brass tacks with some strategies that can actually make a difference in your classroom:


  1. Clarifying Instructions Like a Pro

  • Use visuals whenever you can. A picture (or a diagram) really is worth a thousand words.

  • Recognise the signs of emotional distress and address them promptly. Establishing a quiet corner or a way for students to express needing a break can be very effective.


2. Mastering the Art of Smooth Transitions


  • Try using a timer. It adds a sense of urgency and keeps everyone on their toes.

  • Set clear, achievable goals for what should be done during each transition phase.


3. Cultivating Attention to Detail


  • Checklists can be your best friend. They guide the students on what exactly needs to be done.

  • Examples of stellar work always set a clear standard for what I expect.


4. Boosting Organisation and Time Management


  • Introduce handy tools like planners or educational apps. Let technology help keep them organised.

  • Quick regular check-ins help a lot. Sometimes a simple reminder is all they need to get back on track.


5. Leveraging the FOCUS Assessment for Behaviour Insights


  • Introduce the FOCUS Assessment as a scientific tool to help understand specific student behaviours. This tool can provide us with detailed insights into the reasons behind certain behaviours, offering a more tailored approach to address them.

  • By integrating these scientific findings, we can develop targeted interventions that are more likely to resonate with each student’s unique emotional and behavioral profile.



We have found this article from ADDITUDE magazine also very informative with regards to ADHD in the classroom. Raise your hand! Lower your voice.






Wrapping It Up

So there you have it—some tried and tested tricks to help you manage your classroom a bit better. It’s not about perfection; it’s about making progress, one day at a time. And remember, the more structured and predictable our classrooms are, the less stressful it will be for both us and our students.


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