First Days of School - How to Increase Positive Student Behavior

"Significant people use significant words and actions to increase positive behaviors." (Wong, 69)

This week in Harry Wong's book, The First Days of School, we will enter our final chapter in the first part of the book what positive expectations can do in the classroom.  This first part was all about making connections, creating a safe and inviting environment, and increasing positive student behaviors.

How to Increase Positive Student Behavior

We'll start with a quote from the book; "How a person behaves in the journey of life is directly related to what a person expects to happen in life."  There are 5 concepts Harry Wong points to in his book that will help a person achieve whatever they want in their life, they are:

• Addressing a person by name
• Saying "please"
• Saying "thank you"
• Smiling
• Showing care and warmth

For this week, we will break down each of these five concepts.  Remember, your students will mimic your behaviors.  Model good behavior, and you will be surprised at how your students respond.  What you give is what you will get.

Address a Student by Name

Why does a salesperson repeatedly use your name when trying to sell you something?  It's because it makes you feel wanted and important in the short relationship you have with that person.  What can we learn from the sales people and how does it relate to education?

You are trying to sell "information" to your students.  If they never feel like they are a part of this relationship, and they are only there to listen to how wise you are, they won't buy.  Students also tend to pay attention better when you use their name.  "When you use a person's name you are saying to that person, "You are important enough to me to identify you by name." (Wong, 70)

Say "Please," Please

Think about a time you were in a service-oriented business (grocery store, restaurant, etc...), if you have a good experience and are treated well, you are likely to return.  If you are treated poorly, you are very reluctant to go back to that business.  What can education learn from the business world?  Treat your "customers" with respect, and they will be a satisfied customer and will return.  "Kindness begins with the word please."  Wong suggests placing the word "please" on your worksheets and/or assignments.

Thank You

Please see the "please" section.  "Thank you says to others that you appreciate their effort and kindness." (Wong 72)

A Smile, the Frosting on the Cake
A smile is the universal language of understanding, peace, and harmony.  It is also the most effective way to create a positive climate, to disarm an angry person, and to convey the message "Don't be afraid of me; I am here to help you." (Wong, 74)

It All Adds Up to Love
Wong says, "When you look at the truly effective teachers, you will also find caring, warm, lovable people.  If you address your student by name, say please and thank you, and smile, it shows you care and love your students.

Creating the environment for learning is one of the first steps to becoming an effective teacher.  It all starts with the classroom environment and the teacher attitude.  Without the things outlined in the first part of Wong's book, becoming a highly effective teacher is an uphill climb!

Reflection
Take a moment and reflect on your own classroom and attitude:

• Is your environment a safe place to learn?
• Is your environment inviting?
• Do you treat all students will respect?
• Do you model saying please and thank you, all with a smile?