Ep 118: Harnessing Behavior Strategies to Keep Recess in Schools

Kids These Days need us to Make Words Matter for good

Are you a teacher grappling with how to manage challenging behaviors in the classroom, while ensuring recess isn't compromised? Then this conversation is for you. Today, we're joined by the incredible Colleen Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker and an assistant professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey, who is here to empower you with alternative strategies to maintain a positive learning environment without the need to take away recess.
We dive deep into a plethora of topics with Colleen, starting from mastering the art of teaching transitions and creating a strong foundation of positive relationships with your students. We also emphasize the power of effective communication strategies that can bridge the gap between student behavior and classroom expectation. Through real-life scenarios, we explore how to modify behavior in school settings, challenging the notion that misbehaving should be rewarded with attention or coveted items.
In the final segment, we stress the importance of supporting children's behavioral development while fostering a healthy bond of trust and connection. We elaborate on the concept of non-contingent reinforcement, like spending time with a trusted adult, which can make a significant difference in helping children navigate their emotions and behaviors. Tune in and find out how you can strike a balance between catering to an individual child's needs and maintaining fairness in the classroom. This conversation promises to be a game-changer for educators, parents, and anyone interested in children's behavioral development. Don't miss out!

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