How to Network Like a Professional

Introduction 

Challenging behavior has become a major issue for teachers in the contemporary society. Challenging behavior is understood as any behavior which affects the optimal, play or learning of a child. Challenging behavior may discourage prosocial behavior and it may also harm the children and those around them. Some examples of challenging behaviors include biting, destroying objects, hitting, and bullying (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2017) . The person interviewed is Andrew, a primary school teacher. Children in primary school are underdeveloped which lead to challenging behavior and so cannot communicate their needs. The cultures of the children also affect their learning, thus affecting their development. This paper will focus on; how the teacher sets out the stage for appropriate behavior, how rules, consequences, and rules are determined; and how different cultures are represented. 

Challenging behavior 

Andrew claimed that most of his students present challenging behavior. While at school the children are disruptive, constantly on the move, and aggressive. They bite their classmates and also kicks them. They have severe tantrums, throwing themselves down, screaming, and kicking. According to Kaiser and Rasminsky (2017), challenging behaviors among children are portrayed in different sizes and shapes. Some children become extremely aggressive, others may go hide, and some of them may have tantrums (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2017) . 

Setting the stage for appropriate behavior 

Andrew claimed that he sets the stage for appropriate behavior by conducting a Functional Behavior Analysis so as to understand their behavior and understand any relationship between their behavior and the environment. Andrew involves the parents of the students in setting the stage and he also makes an effort to build a good relationship with the children. This makes the children excited about being at school. Andrew also sets out rules and consequences for the children. The information provided by Andrew is related to the information provided by Gootman (2008) which provides that classroom discipline can be achieved through developing techniques for problem-solving such as encouraging open communication and also involving the parents and setting realistic rules (Gootman, 2008) . 

Culture representation 

Andrew helps the children form discussion groups and so as to help each other learn. He encourages the children to help each other in their groups regardless of color or culture. He also allows the children to be free to talk about their cultures, thus making them understand each other. The information provided by Andrew is related to the information provided by Kaiser and Rasminsky which provides that teachers should focus on interdependence among the children. The children should be encouraged by their teachers to help others regardless of color or culture. The teachers should help the children connect with others by sharing their stories with their classmates. 

Conclusion 

From the interview, I have discovered that challenging behavior among children can be managed. The teacher just needs to conduct a Functional Behavior Analysis so as to understand the behavior of the children and the relationship that exist between their behavior and the environment. The teacher needs to involve the parents in setting the stage for good behavior among the children and also set realistic rules and regulations. Finally, the teachers need to ensure that they build good relations between the children from different cultures. This can be achieved by making the children learn in groups and encourage them to share stories about their cultures. 

References 

Gootman, M. E. (2008). The caring teacher’s guide to discipline: Helping students learn self-control, responsibility, and respect, k-6. (3rd edition). 

Kaiser, B., & Rasminsky, J. S. (2017). Challenging Behavior in Young Children. Winnipeg, Canada: Pearson Education.