Understanding the "Why" Behind Behavior

 This week reminded me of the importance of looking beyond a child's behavior to understand what they might be trying to communicate. I once worked with a student who consistently avoided writing tasks. Initially, it seemed like defiance, but through gentle conversations and observation, I realized the workload was overwhelming for him. This insight changed my approach. Research shows that challenging behaviors often serve specific functions, like escaping complex tasks or seeking connection (Sugai & Simonsen, 2012). By taking the time to understand the reasons behind the behavior, we can respond with compassion instead of frustration. I hope teachers and parents feel inspired to explore behavior more deeply, ask questions, and see it as meaningful communication.

 

References

Sugai, G., & Simonsen, B. (2012). Positive behavioral interventions and supports: History, defining features, and misconceptions. OSEP Center on PBIS.

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