Behaviour for Learning: Lose the “but” - use "and" instead… and then develop "because"!
Over the course of the week, we often find ourselves in situations where we need to redirect a student. Some of our students need to be redirected in many of their lessons and this, for a number of different reasons, can lead them to responding with defiance or ambivalence. A small change in the wording used can help, for example:
“Mark, I know you’re angry with Harpal at the moment but you need to sit down and do this assessment.”
In this instance, the teacher is acknowledging Mark’s emotion but quickly moves to instruction using “but” which invalidates the connection made in the first part of the statement. Consider replacing this with an “and”:
“Mark, I know you’re angry with Harpal at the moment and at the same time you need to complete the assessment.”
This slight change of phrasing acknowledges the emotion and the need to do something (the assessment) whilst managing that emotion and by not using "but" you don't invalidate the validation/connection. Some students might still find this super tough and need more time on the connection/validation of their feelings before the move to instruction. This is where “because” (ideally x3) works well:
“Mark, I know you’re angry because Harpal took your pencil, because he didn’t ask you, because that’s really infuriating… and at the same time you need to…”
This isn’t a silver bullet; however, changing our phrasing can, over time, foster positive relationships and behaviour change. If you’d like to discuss this further, then please come along to our next behaviour for learning drop-in surgery which are held fortnightly in the classroom off of the small gym.
Duty
Please be extra vigilant when on duty at the end of the day and at break and lunchtimes as several students have begun to use their phone whilst on the school site, instead of waiting until they have left the premises.
If you see a student using their mobile phone whilst on duty, please confiscate it and hand it to the relevant YT, who will confiscate it for 5 school days, as per our policy.
Students have been reminded of this rule during assemblies last week.
Please ensure that you arrive promptly to your duty and remember your high-vis jacket.
SLT Uniform Check
SLT will be conducting a uniform check during form time this week to ensure that we maintain our high expectations regarding students being ready for school.
Have a great week,
Mark and Jo
From the Head
Last thing from me - don’t forget it’s PSHCE this week. So, have a look and see what you are teaching this week and let me know if there are any issues!
Inclusion Heroes!