Effective behaviour management is crucial for creating a positive learning environment in primary schools. Drawing on key learnings from various books and guidance reports, here are ten practical strategies that can be employed in the primary classroom:
1. Establishing clear rules and expectations
Example in practice: At the beginning of the school year, the teacher collaborates with students to create a set of classroom rules. These rules are displayed prominently and referred to regularly.
- EYFS: Use visual aids like pictures to illustrate rules.
- KS1 and KS2: Involve students in the rule-making process to ensure they understand and buy into the expectations.
2. Consistent routines
Example in practice: Implement a daily schedule or classroom routine that includes regular activities such as morning greetings, lesson times and breaks.
- EYFS: Use songs or visual schedules to signal transitions.
- KS1 and KS2: Encourage students to take on routine responsibilities, like classroom jobs, to foster independence.
3. Positive reinforcement
Example in practice: Reward positive behaviours with verbal praise, stickers or extra playtime.
- EYFS: Use immediate rewards like stickers or stamps to reinforce good behaviour.
- KS1 and KS2: Implement a rewards system like a points chart where students can accumulate points towards a larger reward.
4. Building positive relationships
Example in practice: Spend time getting to know each student's interests and strengths, and use this knowledge to build rapport and trust.
- EYFS: Engage in one-on-one playtime to build connections.
- KS1 and KS2: Hold regular ‘check-in’ times where students can share their thoughts and feelings.
5. Proactive classroom management
Example in practice: Arrange the classroom layout to minimise distractions and ensure that all students can see and hear the teacher clearly.
- EYFS: Create distinct areas for different activities to help manage movement and focus.
- KS1 and KS2: Use seating plans to strategically place students in ways that support positive behaviour.
6. Restorative practices
Example in practice: When conflicts arise, facilitate a discussion where students can express their feelings and work towards a resolution.
- EYFS: Simplify the language used in restorative conversations and use puppets or toys to act out scenarios.
- KS1 and KS2: Encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and participate in restorative circles.
7. Teaching learning behaviours
Example in practice: Explicitly teach behaviours such as self-regulation, attention and perseverance through role-playing and modelling.
- EYFS: Use stories and characters to illustrate learning behaviours.
- KS1 and KS2: Implement activities that require students to practice these skills, like group projects and timed tasks.
8. Parental engagement
Example in practice: Regularly communicate with parents about their child's behaviour and progress, and involve them in behaviour management strategies.
- EYFS: Use a daily communication book to keep parents informed.
- KS1 and KS2: Hold regular parent-teacher meetings and workshops on behaviour management.
9. Verbal reminders and time-outs
Example in practice: Use calm and respectful verbal reminders to address minor misbehaviours, and implement time-outs for more serious disruptions.
- EYFS: Keep time-outs brief and use a designated ‘calm-down’ area.
- KS1 and KS2: Ensure that time-outs are used consistently and fairly, and follow up with a discussion about the behaviour.
10. Whole-school approach
Example in practice: Ensure that behaviour management strategies are consistently applied across all levels of the school through clear policies and ongoing staff training.
- All phases: Promote a unified understanding of expected behaviours and provide teachers with the support they need to implement strategies effectively.
By employing these strategies, primary school teachers can create a supportive and effective learning environment that encourages positive behaviour and academic success.
References and further reading
- Burnett, N., & Thorsborne, M. (2015). Restorative Practice and Special Needs: A Practical Guide to Working Restoratively with Young People. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Education Endowment Foundation. (2019). Improving Behaviour in Schools: Guidance Report. Retrieved from https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/production/eef-guidance-reports/behaviour/EEF_Improving_behaviour_in_schools_Report.pdf?v=1696319137
- Rogers, B. (2011). Classroom Behaviour: A Practical Guide to Effective Teaching, Behaviour Management and Colleague Support. Routledge.
- Rogers, B. (2015). Behaviour Management: A Whole-School Approach. Sage Publications Ltd.
