3 Behavior Strategies You Can Implement Tomorrow That Actually Work

As teachers, managing behavior effectively can feel like running on a hamster wheel. Each student comes with unique needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t cut it. But what if you had a few strategies in your tool box that could make a difference right away?

I am giving you three tried-and-true behavior strategies you can implement tomorrow that actually work!

1. The Power of Positive Reinforcement:
   • It’s easy to focus on correcting misbehavior, but flipping the narrative to catch students doing the *right thing* can make a huge difference. Positive reinforcement rewards students for desired behaviors, encouraging them to repeat those actions.
     • How to Use It Tomorrow:
       – Identify a behavior you want to see more often (using kind words, following directions, staying in area). 
       – Offer specific praise when students demonstrate the behavior. For example, “I love how you sat at your desk and started your work . Great job following our class rules!” 
       – Add a tangible reinforcement like a sticker chart, classroom store or behavior charts for a visual reward system.
2. The 2×10 Relationship Builder
   • Students with the most challenging behaviors are often the ones who feel the most disconnected. The 2×10 strategy focuses on building relationships to improve behavior. 
     • How to Use It Tomorrow:  Pick one student who’s been struggling.  Spend 2 minutes a day for 10 consecutive days engaging them in casual, non-academic conversation. Ask about their favorite hobbies, sports, or even their weekend plans. Keep it low-pressure and about them—this is about connection, not correction. You’ll be amazed at how a small time investment can transform your relationship and their behavior.
3. Implement a “Break & Reset”
   • What It Is: Give students the opportunity to step away briefly when they feel overwhelmed or frustrated, then return to the activity when they are ready. Why It Works. Prevents escalation by allowing students to de-escalate before a behavior becomes disruptive. Teaches self-regulation by normalizing the use of breaks as a proactive tool rather than a punishment.
     • How to Do It Tomorrow: Create a “break area” in your classroom with calming materials (stress balls, fidgets, coloring pages.) Introduce a simple, nonverbal way for students to signal they need a break (a card, hand signal, or quietly walking to the area). Set time limits for the break (2-5 minutes) and remind students they’ll return to the task after their break. Example: “You can take a break now. When you’re ready, come back and join us for the next step.” This gives them power in so many ways and can change their behavior in just a couple of minutes.

Friends, behavior strategies don’t have to be overly complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Remember, behavior change takes time and patience, but every small step forward is a win. Even if you have to take two steps back somedays!