Changing Perceptions: Deciphering the language of behaviour - Softcover

Chatterley, Graham

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1785836757 ISBN 13: 9781785836756

Publisher: Crown House Publishing, 2023

Synopsis

This timely book moves the dial on the perception of challenging behaviour in schools. De-escalation is important but it is only part of the process: if we really want to change behaviour, we have to understand it.

The causes of poor behaviour are many and varied: fear, stress, anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed can all take their toll.Changing Perceptionsexamines the motives behind challenging behaviour and the consequences that come with it, detailing ways in which these situations can be managed calmly and consistently. Better understanding and empathy can make children feel safer, build their trust, develop belonging and consequently create more effective learners in the classroom.

Empathy is the master key to unlocking the most challenging pupils. When we consistently respond to children with empathy and compassion, we don't just put a sticking plaster over a problem, we change their experiences: how they feel and how they behave long term. Importantly, this approach also greatly improves staff wellbeing by increasing understanding of challenging behaviour and how it is perceived.

In this book, Graham sets out why it is so important to teach behaviour and provides practical ways to deal with the most challenging situations in the classroom and stop the conflict spiral. He also covers the importance of validating feelings, building self-esteem, improving emotional resilience, raising expectations, fostering positive values and much more.

Essential reading for teachers, school leaders and everyone working with challenging behaviour.

; class="Default" align="left">Written by Graham Chatterley,Changing Perceptions: Deciphering the language of behaviourprovides everyone working with children a better understanding of the causes of challenging behaviour and what motivates it.

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In Changing Perceptions Graham Chatterley set out to write the book he wished he'd had as an NQT when he struggled with pupil behaviour. What he has produced - the fruit of many years spent thinking, researching, observing, learning from experts and, above all, working with children in classrooms in mainstream and specialist settings - is a book I wish I'd had at any stage of my career.Changing Perceptions is strong on the theory of behaviour, why and how it can go wrong and what caring professionals can do to help children acquire the self-control which allows them to learn from their mistakes. Behavioural mistakes, Chatterley repeatedly insists, quoting Dr Rob Long, are learning opportunities for pupils and for the adults working with them. The author estimates that this round-up of theory takes up the first three quarters of the book. Incisive and insightful, these pages are full of 'lightbulb moments', when an experienced teacher recognises the truth of what's written and suddenly understands some of the behaviours and interactions they have witnessed or participated in during their career.Perhaps even more valuable are the practical examples - the recounting of incidents and conversations with pupils which Graham uses to illustrate and explain his approach, especially the very powerful, personal story of how much the experience of having an autistic child himself taught him. The struggles he describes are ones many parents of children with special needs will recognise and his willingness to be open about how tough it can be is one of the real strengths of this book.There's an authenticity and an unflinching honesty here which makes his theoretical learning even more valuable. Graham freely admits that he has often got things wrong, and he isn't interested in judging schools, teachers or parents; he wants to help them in their mission to help children. Because in the end, as he constantly reiterates, this whole educational enterprise - schools,

About this title

About the Author

Graham Chatterley was a school leader who has since led training for thousands of educators across the North of England. He believes that adults play a pivotal role in the behaviour of students and that a culture of teaching children behaviour, rather than managing it, is key.

Edition details

• Publisher: Crown House Publishing
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1785836757
• ISBN 13: 9781785836756
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 294