Teach Skills and Break Habits: Growth Mindsets for Better Behavior in the Classroom

by Dan St. Romain, Jennifer Deshler (Editor)

Good behavior is a skill that can be taught – and developed through practice. It just requires a shift in our perspective.

If you have tried behavior folders, clip systems, or other interventions based on punishments and rewards, you’ve probably discovered these one-size-fits all approaches to behavior management all too often prove to be ineffective with the very students they were designed to help.

Teach Skills and Build Habits explores the reasons why what we’ve been doing isn’t working, and how to find a new path and process that will lead to better behavior in the classroom, as well as success for students beyond their school years.

This book is for you if:

- You are an educator looking for help with student behaviors
- You spend more time managing behaviors than teaching
- Your current methods don’t seem to be working
- You are looking for practical behavior strategies that can be used in a variety of settings

You will be empowered to:

- Focus on behavior change as a process of continual improvement
- Use behavior concerns as an opportunity to teach your students skills
- Help your students build on their gifts, accept their challenges, and practice areas of concern
- Build a foundation of good behavior in your students by establishing healthy relationships and creating a positive classroom climate

Genres: Teaching, Professional Development, Education

175 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2018

Reviews

[Karlee Buske · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my school’s book study for 18/19 and we loved it! It really helped shape a new and improved school-wide behavior system that actually worked on skills and we were able to individualize it. I have noticed with our new goals that students really are making progress. I still have a lot of work to do on my end to keep using teachable moments but I really appreciate Romain’s work. Can’t wait to read the other resources he recommends and blend his thoughts with other theories I agree with.
Really loved his idea that sometimes our teachable moments with students are just the stepping stone in a long line of teachers!

[Elizabeth Merce · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! He concisely says what I try to teach regularly to parents and teachers. Behavior is all about teaching skills to our littles, not punishment. If you are ready for a minset shift this is the book!

[Amber Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read that captivates attention and challenges mindsets and thought patterns. From the very first page, I was intrigued by the approach the author took in encouraging how we need to all collaborate to teach student skills and break habits. The use of inclusive language, student ownership, reflecting questioning, long-range behavior based rationales and specific skills provide a window into our behavior systems. It’s important to remember that we should also focus on the level of trust students are building with us and vice versa rather than solely focusing on the student’s outward behaviors.

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with Dan St. Romain that it is effective to teach the skills of good behavior. I always have trouble reading books like these though, because I feel like authors rehash the same stuff throughout the book to give us more chapters and make the books longer. When it comes to "self-help" type writing, maybe I should stick to magazine articles...

[Debbie Eickstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent compilation of Dan's philosophy of education. I enjoy his vision of what education should be for children.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read packed with a great amount of support for even the seasoned teacher. I'd recommend this book for those looking to recharge their approach to discipline in the classroom.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I bought this because I can refer back to it, whenever I feel like I need some perspective.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally shifted my thinking and approach to classroom management and discipline. Highly recommend.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Dan speak this summer at two separate conferences and loved everything he had to say. I am looking forward to implementing his behavior strategies in my classroom this year.