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Behavior Is Communication
By Paul O’Neill, Supervisor of Instruction at Mill Pond Elementary
Whether you are new exhibit various behaviors. While some tial for success in both academic and
to the profession or behaviors are accompanied with social emotional settings.
words, others are exhibited in silence.
have celebrated a long Some arrive with warning signs, others The story below comes from an edu-
cator who works with students in grade
and memorable career, seemingly take us by surprise. No eleven. The parties will be referred to
matter how you see things, it’s hard to
behavior is certainly no argue that behavior is communication. as (T) for teacher and (S) for student.
It provides an unforgettable example
stranger to those of us Inappropriate behaviors may be a of how behavior is communication.
who have chosen to serve result of something that is happening S: “I just finished my essay. Can I
or not happening in the lives of our
students. How we support students turn it in?”
as educators. From the overt who frequently exhibit inappropriate T: “Sure, bring it up.”
to the obscure, students of all ages
behaviors will determine their poten- T: (calls out to S after reading his
Educational Viewpoints -88- Spring 2019
