Instructional Strategy — Powerful instructional strategies restore calm to the classroom as a whole, show students how to adjust their behaviors to fit with classroom expectations, and teach important lessons about social interaction.
Watch this video where the teacher (using Responsive Classroom practices) shows how to redirect kids so they can get back to fun and function in her classroom.
Positive redirection 🡪 This strategy is an alternative to saying “no” to a student or reprimanding him or her. It addresses undesirable behavior by asking the student to replace a disruptive or inappropriate behavior with one that accomplishes the same purpose but is more acceptable. For example, like we mentioned in a prior unit, if a student meets her need for a pencil by taking one from a classmate’s desk, the adult can redirect the behavior by saying, “You need a pencil, but instead of taking Billy’s pencil, please come up to my desk and take a pencil from our shared pencil bin.” The redirected behavior meets the same need as the original behavior, but in a more acceptable way.
Redirection works especially well when a clear and consistent set of classroom routines addresses many everyday needs. Redirection itself also works best when it is applied consistently.
Benefits of using positive redirection:
- It improves the learning environment overall for all students.
- It reinforces other approaches to classroom management (e.g., routines).
- It sets clear expectations for students.
- It strengthens students’ coping skills.
- It helps the adults build a positive relationship with students.
- It improves students’ attentiveness.
- It limits distractions associated with student misbehavior.
- It provides effective prompts with little effort.
- It does not feel like punishment.
- It can be used during instruction (e.g., in the middle of a classroom activity or discussion).
Example of Positive Redirection:
Scenario: A child is getting frustrated and starting to yell and bang on the desk during a math lesson because they don’t understand the task.
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Negative Behavior: Yelling and banging on the desk.
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Redirection Strategy: Instead of reprimanding the child for the behavior, the teacher could say:
“I can see (PAUSE) you’re feeling frustrated (PAUSE) right now. How about (PAUSE) we take (PAUSE) a deep breath (PAUSE) together, and then (PAUSE) we can work on this (PAUSE) step-by-step? (PAUSE) If you need help, (PAUSE) I’m happy to assist you!”
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Outcome: The teacher guides the child toward calming down and provides a more appropriate alternative (taking deep breaths and asking for help). This not only redirects the child’s energy away from negative behaviors but also teaches coping strategies for handling frustration.
Why This Is Positive Redirection:
- Focus on the Positive: The teacher helps the child shift from a negative behavior (yelling) to a more positive and productive action (asking for help, deep breathing).
- Encourages Self-Regulation: The child is encouraged to manage their frustration in a healthier way.
- Offers Support: The child is reassured that help is available, reducing the need for disruptive behaviors.