The Power of Behavioral Narration

When it comes to behavior management, teachers are in search of the silver bullet—an effective means to set expectations, hold students accountable, and build classroom community so that teaching and learning can take place without interruptions. But, how many educators out there have actually figured it all out? Cultivating a behavior management system that works for all of your students and keeps them on track for the entire year is an art, not a science.

The Importance of Effective Behavior Management  

Classroom management might be one of the biggest challenges you will face as an educator. Consistency is a common struggle for many teachers. It only takes one student who is constantly off task to see your classroom management system being tested to its limits. Even after pulling out all the stops with warnings, loss of class privileges, calls to parents, and sticker charts, you still might not see consistent results—and the loss of learning time can start to add up. Quickly, you might notice students who had always followed the rules start stepping out of bounds as well.

Effective behavior management is not just about maintaining order; it's about creating an environment where all students can thrive. This requires a proactive approach that not only addresses disruptions but also reinforces positive behaviors. 

While there are many different tactics you can try, sometimes the simplest ones work the best. One key to turning your classroom management strategy back around is exercising behavioral narration.

For those less familiar with the approach, behavioral narration is a technique described by Lee Canter in Classroom Management for Academic Success. While not a new technique (the book was first published in 2006), it stands as true today as it did then. And, it’s far from complicated. Start by verbally describing positive behaviors you’re witnessing without sentiment as a reminder to your students of the expected procedure. These comments on acceptable behavior then encourage others to follow suit. For example, point out, “Jacob is waiting quietly for instructions,” or “Corinne and Maribel have packed away all of their supplies.”

If you’ve never tried it, this technique might sound a little strange at first. So, before you stop reading, think about how many times you’ve said, “Jordan, sit down. David, sit down. I’ll wait here until everyone is sitting down. *Pause* Ethan and Carly are still not sitting down. Please sit down. I need everyone in their seat.” This broken record can feel like it’s on repeat all day, every day when students don’t follow procedures. What if you didn’t have to do that? Behavioral narration could be the key for you, just as it has been for many other teachers. 

Reasons Why Behavioral Narration Works

Take Focus Off the Rulebreakers

Students come to you with their own unique strengths and abilities. For some, possessing the skills to follow directions the first time and maintain focus throughout the day doesn’t come easily. Your narration gives those who might only be off task because they missed instructions a chance to catch up without being called out (avoiding any meltdowns that may have followed). By pointing out behavior that is actually taking place, your verbal reminders now have a visual cue to accompany them, giving some students just the right amount of reinforcement they need as you redirect their behavior.

Save Praise for Learning Accomplishments

One key to behavioral narration is to take out phrases like “I love” or “good job.” When you’re narrating student behaviors, it’s not about giving verbal praise every time students make eye contact or put their homework in the right place. These are your classroom expectations. By narrating them aloud in a neutral tone, you’re simply using student behavior you witness as opportunities to model what others should also be doing (without jumping straight to negative reprimands). Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t recognize the growth, progress, and achievement of your students—it just allows you to save that level of recognition for learning, not rule-following.

Use Expectations to Build Classroom Community

It’s easy for your “rule-follwers” to become your favorites. And, guess what? Your students are smart enough to figure this out. If you’re constantly complimenting one student for always being on task while frequently calling out a handful of others, students will notice these patterns. While some may get teased for being the “teacher’s pet,” others may be ostracized for “never being able to do anything right.” Don’t let behavior tear down your classroom community. Recognize narration as a way of supporting your students while helping them build their own self-control. Your reminders will encourage all to self-correct, and keep both you and your students focused on the positives.

Avoiding Common Behavior Management Pitfalls 

Behavior management is essential for creating a productive classroom environment, but it’s not always easy to get it right. Even experienced teachers can encounter challenges that undermine their efforts. Here are some common pitfalls in behavior management and strategies to avoid them. 

Inconsistency in Enforcement 

One of the biggest mistakes in behavior management is inconsistency. If students see that rules are enforced only some of the time, they may start to test boundaries. To avoid this, establish clear expectations and consistently apply consequences when rules are broken. Consistency builds trust and helps students understand what is expected of them at all times. 

Focusing Too Much on Negative Behavior 

It’s easy to get caught up in correcting misbehavior, but doing so can create a negative classroom atmosphere. Instead, balance corrections with positive reinforcement. Behavioral narration, as discussed earlier, is a great tool for highlighting and encouraging positive behavior, which can shift the classroom focus to what students are doing right. 

Overlooking the Importance of Relationship Building 

Behavior management isn’t just about rules and consequences; it’s also about building strong relationships with students. When students feel respected and understood, they are more likely to respond positively to behavior management strategies. Take the time to get to know your students, show empathy, and communicate that you care about their success. 

Neglecting to Adapt Strategies 

No two classrooms are the same, and what works for one group of students might not work for another. It’s important to be flexible and willing to adjust your behavior management strategies as needed. Regularly reflect on what is working and what isn’t, and be open to trying new approaches if your current strategies aren’t yielding the desired results. 

This year, don’t underestimate the power of behavioral narration in your classroom. Check out this video from kindergarten teacher Kyle Thain to see behavior narration in action. Interested in learning more about classroom management? Check out this article on establishing effective classroom culture from the first day.