Behaviour is often the part we see, but not always the whole story. A child who appears distracted, disruptive, withdrawn or unwilling to engage may be communicating something they cannot easily put into words. This could be a sign of frustration, anxiety, confusion, sensory overload or difficulty with the task.
Before asking, “How do I stop this behaviour?”, it may be helpful to first ask, “What might this behaviour be telling me?”
In the Classroom
• Try to identify patterns. When and where does the behaviour happen?
• Consider what may have happened immediately before it.
• Check whether the task, instruction or environment is causing difficulty.
• Speak to the learner calmly and give them an opportunity to explain.
• Respond to the need behind the behaviour, whilst still maintaining clear boundaries.
The Prophet ﷺ said that he would sometimes intend to lengthen the prayer, but on hearing a child cry, he would shorten it out of consideration for the child’s mother. (Bukhari)
The Prophet ﷺ did not simply respond to what he could hear; he considered the circumstances behind it.
As educators, we too should look beyond what is immediately visible and seek to understand what a learner may be communicating through their behaviour.
An Nasihah Publications