Parent Information Session Underwood Elementary Family Night February 13, 2007

Positive Behavior Support Traditional Discipline Focuses on the student’s problem behavior Goal is to stop undesirable behavior, through the use of punishment or prescribed consequences Primarily reactive Positive Behavior Support Replaces undesired behavior with a new behavior or skill PBS alters environments, teaches appropriate skills, and rewards appropriate behavior. Primarily proactive

What have we done at Underwood? NDERWOOD P.R.I.D.E.

Out on the table.. How many of you have been contacted regarding your child’s behavior at school? How many of you felt like your child did something that you have taught them not to do? Was it something you actually taught them to do? How many of you felt like your child was misunderstood? How many of you completely understood the school’s concerns and were supportive of the school’s decisions? How many of you struggled to understand what the big deal was?

Two Sets of Rules? At Home or in the Neighborhood… Playing/Teasing by pushing each other is okay and fun Everyone talking at the same time is okay and mostly normal If someone hits you, hit them back ? At School… Hands to self Raise hand to talk and speak one person at a time Aggression can mean suspension (even if you didn’t start it) ?

Ideas? In groups of 2 or 3, talk for a minute about how you can help your child understand that there can be at least 2 sets of rules. How can we help them understand that both sets of rules are important? Can they do it? Any ideas to share with the group?

Teaching your children ways of communication Verbal (How else can you say it?) Non-verbal messages How can kids get help when they feel bullied, teased, pushed around, or need to stand up for themselves?

How else can you say it? Let’s talk about an example of something a child might that would not be appropriate in school. Help your child understand how else could it be said. Now talk with a partner about this idea. Let’s share some thoughts or examples.

How should I address unwanted behavior? Stop the behavior that is inappropriate Tell your child what he/she did wrong Tell why it was wrong (and state the consequences if appropriate) Tell how to behave next time

When kids make mistakes, how can we teach them? 1.What did you do? 2.When you did that, what did you want? 3.List four other things you could have done. 4.What will you do next time?

12 Things to Improve Behavior 1.Praise children more often than correcting them 2.Show an interest in what your child has to say or in what they are doing 3.Build positive relationships with teachers and school staff 4.Use rewards and consequences with the goal of changing behavior (not necessarily punishing) 5.Tell students why behaviors are not appropriate; help them understand WHY 6.Have a predictable routine 7.Communicate expectations clearly and often 8.Help children express feelings and ideas appropriately 9.Help them see their strengths and to use them 10.Support social skills needed at school in your home 11.Get support from others 12.Help your children to set and reach goals

You are the experts!! Do you all have any suggestions for one another about improving your kids’ behaviors either at home or at school? Other questions, thoughts, or ideas?