"Teaching Troubled Students: Balancing Behavior and Beneath-the-Surface Issues As a teacher, navigating complex classroom dynamics can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with students who exhibit challenging behaviors. A new transfer student is joining a 5th-grade class, bringing with them a history of physical altercations and bullying. The teacher, who has experience with this student in small group settings, is seeking advice on how to address the student's behavior when it arises. The teacher is torn between two approaches: focusing on the surface-level behavior, such as not touching others' belongings, or addressing the underlying issues, like negative attention-seeking and conflict instigation. While addressing the surface behavior offers clear boundaries and expectations, it may not address the root causes of the behavior. On the other hand, tackling the underlying issues may lead to a power struggle and require the teacher to navigate sensitive topics like insecurities and emotional needs. The teacher is looking for insight on how to strike a balance between these two approaches, and whether there's a middle ground that can help them effectively manage the student's behavior and promote a positive learning environment. With only two months left in the school year, finding the right approach is crucial for the student's success and the well-being of the entire class."
Hey all, Recent transplant from 1st to 5th grade and having a blast and loving it, I have a new transfer starting next week that has had some physical alterations with other students and is a known instigator and bully, we have 2 months left and I have worked with him for short periods (small groups and a field trip he wasn’t allowed to go on, with minimal issue.) My specific question is if/when these instigating behaviors come up (for example snatching a pencil off of another students desk) Should I address the SURFACE level behavior of touching items that aren’t his etc. making clear black and white boundaries. Or Should I address the UNDERLYING behavior of negative attention seeking, instigating conflict, and work avoidance. Addressing the surface behavior seems very concrete and allows me to have clear expectations (that I’m worried he will find ways to work around) Addressing the underlying behavior seems like away for me”paint with a broader brush,” and make expectations that are harder to find loop holes with but I am worried it will lead to a power struggle as I’m not “playing the game,” and calling him out on insecurities, (attention seeking, feeling powerless, not understanding that work. etc) I’m sure the answer is somewhere in the middle but if anyone has some insight I’d appreciate it. submitted by /u/Kbee2202 [link] [comments]