Every action has a reaction
One of my favorite phrases to students is “every action has a reaction”. It reminds me of Newton’s third law: “every action has an opposite and equal reaction”. I say that to students so they understand that their behavior and decisions have reactions. I have heard many people say the words: “your actions have consequences”. I do not like the way that statement sounds. It has a very negative connotation. It makes it seems like no matter what action a person makes, it will have a negative result. An action can result in a negative or a positive reaction which is why I prefer to use the phrase: “every action has a reaction”. A student decides not to complete their homework so the teacher gives that student a zero. This example shows a negative reaction because the student got a zero for not completing their homework. A student completes all their classwork ten minutes early so the teacher allows the student to play a game during the last ten minutes of class. This example shows a positive reaction. The student is being rewarded for working diligently during class.
How do we create more positive actions and reactions in the classroom? We can practice positive behavior strategies. “Positive behavior strategies are evidence-based approaches for promoting behavior that is conducive to learning (National Center for Learning Disabilities, 2021). Positive behavior strategies make students feel supported, increasing engagement and learning opportunities. Behavior strategies increase attention and focus in the classroom which decreases behavioral issues. Behavior strategies are simple to implement in a classroom setting and provide effective results. One approach is to create a predictable and harmonious classroom routine. Teachers should be direct and provide students with behaviors they want to see in their classroom. Teachers should provide students with positive feedback. For example, when a teacher gives a direction but some students are not following the direction right away, the teacher should point out the students that are following the direction, instead of pointing out students that are not following directions. Creating a reward system is a great method. Students LOVE rewards, no matter how old they are. There are many different and simple behavior strategies that can be implemented in the classroom, resulting in a positive classroom environment. Positive classroom behaviors result in positive actions and reactions between students and teachers.
References
National Center for Learning Disabilities. (2021). Positive behavior strategies: An
approach for engaging and motivating students. National Center for Learning Disabilities .Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.ncld.org/reports-studies/forward-together-2021/positive-behavior-strategies/
