Encouraging Appropriate Behavior ECE 201 Griselda J. Scott Debra Lawrence April 14, 2014

Encouraging positive classroom behavior is one of the biggest challenges we as teachers face today. A classroom that is face with constant disruptive behavior from students can, and will create an atmosphere full of distraction that will not encourage learning. One way to make sure this inappropriate behavior does not happened is to encourage, and promote positive behavior. As teachers we are always getting bombarded with suggestions from other teachers, or administrators on how to promote a positive environment in our classroom. I believe that if we are willing to take the necessary steps to encourage this behavior, which may include re-arranging the classroom, planning, and adjusting our curriculum we will be able to encourage and promote positive behavior in our classroom. The Pearson Education Development Group gives us some practical tips that I will use, to help me lay a foundation for positive behavior in my classroom:
1. Think About Your Approach.
2. Visualize Possible Challenges.
3. Make Your Expectations Clear from the Beginning.
4. Model Positive Behavior.
5. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage.
6. Show Respect.
7. Be Consistent.
8. Keep Students Busy and Challenged.
9. Listen to Students' Suggestions.

After reading the case study labeled “Level B Case 1” and the STAR sheets, I believe that the strategy I would choose to help Doug’s with his goal would be Criterion Specific Rewards.
Since my understanding is that Doug can do the work; he just does not like to do it alone needs some incentive. If we keep putting him to work with a group he will always avoid doing the work on his own. Doug loves playing with his “Lego Gadgets”, so allowing him to play with them only when he does his assignment, may encourage him to do his work. His teacher could also allow him to earn more play time depending on how much time he spends on his assignment. I would also keep encouraging and praising him every time he gets his work done. Praise can function as a tool for instruction and for increasing social and academic behaviors. Creating an environment in which students know and follow the rules is challenging, but not impossible. With a little patience and perseverance, you can lay a foundation for respect and positive behavior in your classroom that lasts all year (Pearson Education Development Group).

Reference
Curran, C., & the IRIS Center. (2003). Encouraging appropriate behavior. Retrieved on [month day, year,] from http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/case_studies/ ICS-005.pdf
Kaiser, B. & Sklar Rasminsky, J. (2012). Challenging behavior in young children. (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pearson Education Development Group. Laying the Foundation for Positive Classroom Behavior.