Managing+Behaviour

= Managing Behaviour =

Unwanted behaviour from children can be a concern for new volunteers. For your session to run smoothly it is important to establish clear rules, rewards and sanctions from the start. Aim to have a small number of clearly understood and consistently enforced rules rather than a large number of rules that may be difficult to enforce and encourage children to be self-motivated to take responsibility for their own good behaviour.

Before you decide rules you may wish to consider what you consider to be acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. There are certain rules we would expect children to know and understand as a way of life. As you devise the rules for your session try involving the children in the decision making and ask them what they think the rules should be. Once you have agreed on a set of rules, decide on what should happen for those who don't follow them. If you are writing up the rules for the gym hall wall, ensure that they are worded positively, e.g:
 * Be kind and be helpful
 * Aim to look after the equipment
 * We listen and try not to interupt
 * Always put your hand up and avoid shouting out
 * Be supportive of others

Consistency in your reaction to a behaviour is important. Aim to apply positive behaviour strategies, consistently being firm, assertive and showing conern. Always try and keep your tone and attitude positive, this way children are more likely to improve their behaviour and maintain good behaviours based on praise rather than punishment. Make a point of acknowledging and praising pupils when you see them doing something you want to encourage.

To prevent pupils from becoming bored and restless which may result in a decline in behaviour, try to ensure you have a well planned and stimIf ulating session. Look for cues as to when pupils are bored with a practice, are needing challenged, or require to move on to another practice. Avoid over-explaining instructions and limit the amount of time you talk during a session, this will keep pupils on track.

Prior to commencing your activity sessions it is recommended that you consult with the school/Active Schools Coordinator to establish what the behaviour management procedure is for the school. By adopting the school behaviour policy this will ensure a consistent approach within the school and pupils will also be aware already of what the rules are.

If you have applied all of the above but still encounter mis-behaviour you may wish to consider the following:
 * Issue a verbal warning
 * If mis-behavoiur persists, as the pupil to sit out of the session for a few minutes (while the session is ongoing for the remaining pupils approach the pupil who is sitting on the bench and ask them if they know why they have been asked to step out the session. If they are unsure as to why they have been removed then clarify this with them and then ask them to re-join the session)
 * Ask the pupil to sit-out once more for a few minutes if the behaviour persists however remind them if they have to be spoken to again they will sit out the remainder of the session
 * If necessary speak to the parent of the pupil if the pupil is collected from school

In an after school setting it is advised that you try and manage group behaviour by following the suggestions provided. If the behaviour of an individual does not improve you may wish to consult with the pupil's teacher or head teacher to see if there are any underlying problems. The member of staff may advise you on how they manage pupil's behaviour.

Ultimately it is worth noting that attending an after school club is a privelidge for pupils. If after all the processes listed above the pupil continues to mis-behave you are entitled to inform the pupil and their parent/carer that you do not wish them to return to the next session and outline the reasons why. Please ensure that you involve the head teacher in this process. Under no circumstances should a pupil be sent home mid-way through a session.

Bahaviour can be reflective. Through injecting humour and enthusisam into your session this will ensure that the activity is fun and will help to keep pupils engaged.

For additional tips on managing behaviour click on the link below:

[]