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