Module 2 - Finding the Why Behind Challenging Behavior

Finding the Why Behind Challenging Behavior

One of the biggest shifts in my thinking this week was moving from “How do I stop this behavior?” to “What is this behavior telling me?” A student who refuses work may be overwhelmed by the task. A student who calls out may be looking for a connection. Another may be reacting to stress, peer conflict, or sensory overload. When teachers pause and ask better questions about skills, triggers, relationships, and context, behavior becomes easier to understand and much more possible to support. Challenging behavior is often a clue that something is not working for the student yet. When we respond to root causes instead of surface symptoms, we are more likely to build safety, trust, and real change for children at school and at home (IRIS Center, n.d.-a; National Child Traumatic Stress Network Schools Committee, 2008).

Blog References

IRIS Center. (n.d.-a). Behavioral form and function. https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/fba-elem/cresource/q1/p01/

National Child Traumatic Stress Network Schools Committee. (2008). Child trauma toolkit for educators. National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/child_trauma_toolkit_educators.pdf

Module 2 Blog, entitled “Finding the Why Behind Challenging Behavior” available at: https://rmci5523.blogspot.com/

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