UNLOCKING THE MYSTERY

Keys to Encouraging Positive Behavior

“Sam seems to understand clearly. He should be able to control his

behaviors.”

“It’s not right for one child to disrupt the rest of the class’

learning experience”

“The other parents are upset.”

“I’m worried that someone will get hurt”

“He doesn’t belong in our Sunday School program”

A family the Church has rejected, feels rejected by God.

An IRRESISTIBLE church makes every effort to unlock the

behavior mystery and facilitate positive behavior outcomes so

that every child, teen, and adult can learn about Jesus.

4 Keys to Unlocking the Mystery

1. Understanding behavior

2. Prevention

3. Intervention

4. Maximizing the Calm after the Storm

UnderstandingBehavior

#1

Behavior is CommunicationSensory or Medical

Access

Frustration

Escape

Understanding Sensory Overload

Understanding a Critical Difference

Tantrum Meltdown

A result of autism or a willful choice?

Keys to SuccessPrioritizing Prevention

Intervention/Diffusing an Outburst

Maximize the Calm after the Storm

#2

#3

#4

Key #2: Prevention

A person who constantly melts down

is in the wrong environment,

or they have the wrong support

for the environment they are in.

Prevention• Be informed• Study past behaviors• Create and Communicate a Plan• Watch for Early Signs of Anxiety• Gather Tools (visual supports, buddy

bag, reward systems, alternative activities)

Visual Support

FIRST-THEN

• Wall charts• With words or icons• Apps

Individual Visual schedules

Emoticons

Classroom Visual Schedule

• Made with pictures and words

• Movable with Velcro or magnets

• Helpful to indicate what’s now and what’s next

Visual Parameters

Timers

• Desktop Timers• Activity Timers with colored sections• Countdown Apps•Disappearing Clocks

More simple fixes for Common Antecedents

• Stay calm, get on the child’s level, and use simple language

• Give Choices• Maintain a Set Schedule• Communicate Clearly When the Schedule

will change• Prepare for transitions

Key #2: Intervention/Diffusing an Outburst

• Stay calm and remember your plan• Do not reinforce intentional

negative behaviors • This is not the time to try to teach

Maximizing The Calm after the storm

Communicating with Parents

• Heart check—am I ready to say, “We love having your child in SS and will work with you to make this successful”?

• Honest but optimistic• Avoid statements that judge the child as

“bad” or otherwise lacking value• Work towards partnership

When extreme behavior persists

• Maintain Safety• Discover what’s working other places• Partner with child’s behavioral team• Consider Break-out room/alternative

learning spaces• Find alternative ways of support if you

cannot keep children and volunteers safe

Tommy’s* Story

*name has been changed

Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”

Questionsand

Answers