Behavior Management in Middle School

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Behaviors Commonly Present

Puberty: self-esteem, self-doubt or emotional regulation struggles

Social Aspect: peer pressure, friendships, dating

Independence: parent-child power struggles

Confusion: body, future, self-concept, identity

Social Media Use

High Risk Behaviors

Bullying/victimizing

Depression/suicide

Experimentation: sexual activities, drugs, alcohol

Rule breaking

Eating disorders

Strength-based Strategies 

1.      Building and maintaining meaningful and positive faculty-student relationships based on trust, care, and support. 

a.      Match the student's language. Demonstrate interest and confidence in the student as a person. Be available. Validate feelings.  

2.      Find the exceptions. 

3.      Clearly communicate expectations, rules, procedures, etc.  

4.      Externalize the behavior.  

a.      Encourage ownership of actions and problem solve with the student.  

5.      Develop high expectations and promote opportunities to contribute.