Behaviour Management Pocketbook

Book excerpt: It's every new teacher's first concern and it's an area about which even the most experienced teachers are never complacent - how to control their classes. This new edition of the Teachers Pocketbooks top-selling title is a practical, authoritative guide to creating calm classes and focused, co-operative students. The book starts from the premise that teachers cannot control the behaviour of children; instead they must seek to influence it. Teachers are most effective in managing behaviour when they focus on antecedents and consequences. This means building relationships and using preventative strategies followed by consistent use of logical consequences. The book covers different styles of behaviour management; getting the basics right; eight core principles and a ten-step discipline plan. A section entitled developing the toolkit offers a broad range of strategies for teachers to use. All are explained in practical, classroom terms with examples of phrases to use for maximum effectiveness. Underpinning the repertoire of techniques is a strong framework: the 4Rs rights, responsibilities, rules and routines. Liberal use of cartoons, diagrams, mnemonics and other visual devices reinforce the message and fast-track understanding. "An invaluable guide for all adults who work with children. This book will change the way you think and act in the classroom and should be compulsory reading." Tim Plumb, Head Teacher, Woolwich Polytechnic School "A fantastic read. Buy copies for your staff this year - they'll become more effective by using the approaches outlined in this book." Sarah Skinner, Head, Claydon High School "Provides realistic and effective strategies to empower all teachers to create and establish a positive learning environment for all. I recommend it." Teresa Copeland, Assistant Principal, Strood Academy