Jump to main content
Search
shortlist register contact us menu

The Top Behaviour Management Strategies for Teaching Assistants

Date posted : 20 October 2021

Misbehaviour among pupils is as challenging for teaching assistants as it is for teachers. Dealing with behavioural problems is the responsibility of everyone who works in a school. Yet a teaching assistant’s role in encouraging appropriate behaviour is particularly critical.

Behaviour is a complex topic. There can be several reasons why a student misbehaves, and a range of strategies to deal with the behaviour. The past two years have highlighted the importance of teaching assistants and their crucial part in creating an optimal classroom environment.

Here are some of the most effective strategies to help teaching assistants manage classroom behaviour.

Observe and analyse

Teaching assistants must keep a keen eye on their classrooms and flag up any issues that the teacher may have missed. When managing classroom behaviour, it can be useful to conduct classroom observations that focus on how particular pupils are behaving. This will give yourself and the teacher a better understanding of individual children and which ones need the most attention.

You may be tasked with recording information, ideally over several lessons, such as:

  • how often certain behaviour occurs (e.g. shouting out, moving around the classroom, ignoring instructions, disrupting other pupils)
  • a pattern in reactions to different activities, teachers and environments
  • the amount of work completed in comparison to other learners
  • how different peers affect the pupil’s behaviour and what triggers misbehaviour

From here you can use the information gathered to better analyse the cause of undesirable behaviour and the forms that behaviour takes. You can also identify if there were any actions that made that behaviour stop.

Praise positive behaviour

It’s easy for TAs to fall into the trap of thinking that discipline is solely about punishing students for poor behaviour. Good discipline is more often based in reinforcing positive behaviour . Always ensure you highlight a child’s achievements, praise their positive traits, and encourage them when you identify good behaviour.

If a normally disruptive child displays a positive attitude in class, praising their work ethic could really help them stay on the right track. That positive reinforcement may very well motivate other students to behave in the same way too.

Use calming language and clear instructions

Communication is among the most important skills for a teaching assistant . The way you communicate with students and the tone of your voice are key to the success of your behaviour management strategies. Ensure that you communicate with your students in a calm tone of voice as shouting can often indicate a loss of control. It’s also far more effective to speak to pupils about their behaviour one-to-one to avoid disrupting the rest of the class (or making them feel shamed).

It’s also crucial that you make your instructions clear to the class. Work with the teacher to establish what the expectations of your class are and relay your rules in a clear and concise manner. If there is a particular task that the class needs to complete, explain it in the simplest terms possible and check with individual students to ensure they understand what they are doing.

Make an effort to build relationships with students

Positive student relationships are crucial for any teaching assistant. Investing time to learn about your students can reap huge rewards when it comes to behaviour management. Building a trusting relationship with your students creates an optimal classroom environment and can encourage students to adopt a positive working attitude.

Make time to get to know the students and show an interest in their lives. This can include simply greeting them as they come in, finding out what they did over the weekend, or asking them how they are performing in other subjects. A well-organised classroom with motivated students who trust and feel valued by the teacher is a classroom that is built to flourish.

Find your next teaching assistant role with Teaching Personnel

If you are ready to embark on a new teaching assistant experience at a school near you, then Teaching Personnel is the place to start. As the UK's leading education recruitment agency, we place teaching assistants into rewarding roles up and down the country.

Browse our primary teaching assistant jobs , secondary teaching assistant jobs and special needs teaching assistant jobs today.

List #1

Related posts

Educator CPD Academy
Launching Soon: The New Educator CPD Academy

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

On the 5th of November, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining a

Teaser

Exciting update! On the 5th of November, we’re launching the Educator CPD Academy, a sleek new eLearning platform. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for an upgraded learning journey!

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Supply Teaching: The Ultimate Solution for Burnout this Teacher Resignation Day

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD10YY

Summary

As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future.  Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y

Teaser

Discover how supply teaching offers a flexible solution for teacher burnout this Teacher Resignation Day. Learn about reduced workload, better work-life balance, and career variety with Teaching Personnel.

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

How Teaching Assistants (TAs) Help Schools Thrive

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD09YY

Summary

Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc

Teaser

Teaching assistants (TAs) are the backbone of inclusive and thriving schools, providing essential support to pupils and teachers alike. Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions on National Teaching Assistants’ Day, September 27th.

Read more
Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

Zuzana Vrtalova

by

Zuzana Vrtalova

School’s out for summer - Eight tips to enjoy the break

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD07YY

Summary

School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv

Teaser

Discover eight essential tips for teachers to unwind and recharge during the summer break. Make the most of your time off with these practical and enjoyable suggestions.

Read more
Tackling Absenteeism: Turning the Tide with our Attendance Mentors Programme

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing

Teaser

Discover how our Attendance Mentors Programme tackles pupil absenteeism in the UK. Learn how tailored support and proven strategies can boost school attendance and academic success.

Read more
Navigating Exam Stress: How to Help Your Learners

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD05YY

Summary

As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels

Teaser

Read more
How to Make Teaching an Attractive Career Choice

Teaser

Tips and Advice

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD04YY

Summary

The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes

Teaser

Read more
Your Easter 2024 Payroll

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD03YY

Summary

Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline

Teaser

Read more
Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Adam Davies

by

Adam Davies

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Working as a Supply Teacher

Teaser

Supply Teaching

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD01YY

Summary

Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou

Teaser

All your common questions about supply teaching answered

Read more
Alex Schulte

by

Alex Schulte

Alex Schulte

by

Alex Schulte

Navigating the Challenges of SEN Provision: A Call to Action in 2024

Teaser

Educators

Content Type

TP-Posts

Publish date

DD01YY

Summary

Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England

Teaser

Dive into the critical world of Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision with eye-opening statistics and real challenges faced by schools. Discover the importance of tailored support and the impact on learners.

Read more
company logo
Search