Let’s be honest—teaching isn’t just about delivering lessons and marking homework. It’s about creating a space where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. And at the heart of that is behaviour management.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Behaviour management” might sound like a stiff, formal phrase, but really, it’s all about relationships. It’s about how we encourage positive behaviour, respond to challenges, and guide students not just academically, but emotionally too. Because when students feel supported—when they feel seen—that’s when real learning happens.
In this post, we’re diving into the importance of behaviour management in the classroom, how praise plays a crucial role, and why it’s deeply connected to social emotional learning (SEL). Whether you’re new to the classroom or a seasoned pro, this is your reminder that small, positive interactions can have a huge impact.
Why Behaviour Management Matters More Than Ever
Picture this: You’ve planned a brilliant lesson. It’s engaging, interactive, packed with learning. But just as you’re about to start, a couple of students start chatting. Others follow. The energy shifts. Suddenly, you’re managing distractions instead of teaching.
Sound familiar?
Without effective behaviour management, even the best lesson can fall apart. But here’s the thing—behaviour management isn’t about being strict for the sake of it. It’s about creating the right conditions for learning. And when we get it right, the whole class benefits. Students can focus, collaborate, and actually enjoy learning. Teachers get to teach instead of constantly redirecting. Everyone wins.
In the UK, the Department for Education recommends that secondary schools have a clear behaviour policy. Ofsted has also placed more emphasis on pupil behaviour during inspections. Why? Because how students behave—and how schools support that behaviour—says a lot about the learning culture.
Behaviour Management and Social Emotional Learning: The Dream Team
Here’s where it gets interesting. Behaviour management doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s deeply connected to social emotional learning—the skills students need to understand themselves, manage emotions, and build strong relationships.
Think about a student who lashes out when frustrated. Sure, we can respond to the behaviour, but to make lasting change, we need to understand what’s going on underneath. Are they feeling overwhelmed? Embarrassed? Left out? This is where SEL comes in.
By helping students build self-awareness and emotional regulation skills, we reduce the likelihood of disruptions in the first place. So when you incorporate SEL into your classroom routines, you’re not just improving behaviour—you’re supporting personal growth.
Why Praise Isn’t Just a Pat on the Back
Now, let’s talk praise. Not the empty “good job” kind, but genuine, thoughtful, intentional praise. Used well, praise is one of the most powerful tools in any teacher’s toolkit. It’s how we reinforce what’s working, build confidence, and shape behaviour over time.
But here’s the catch: praise has to be done right. Otherwise, it can feel forced—or worse, meaningless. So, what makes praise effective? Let’s break it down.
1. Be Specific and Sincere
Students know when you’re just going through the motions. Saying “well done” a dozen times a lesson loses its impact fast.
Instead, try this:
“I noticed how you stayed focused even when your group got a bit distracted—that kind of persistence is brilliant.”
“You explained your point so clearly in the discussion. That really helped others understand.”
By linking praise to specific actions, students understand why it mattered—and are more likely to do it again.
2. Don’t Forget the Quiet Achievers
It’s easy to focus on the loudest students, especially when behaviour slips. But the quiet ones? The ones who always follow instructions, who always try their best? They deserve praise too.
Try making a point to recognise these students:
“Thank you for getting started straight away and setting a great example—it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
This kind of acknowledgement boosts confidence and shows students that their efforts matter, even if they’re not the centre of attention.
3. Use Praise to Influence, Not Just Reward
One clever strategy is using praise to subtly redirect attention. If one or two students are off-task, instead of calling them out, praise someone nearby who’s doing the right thing.
For example:
“I really appreciate how Josh and Lila have already got their books open and are ready to go. That’s the energy we need today.”
It sends a clear message without confrontation—and often, the rest of the class will follow suit.
4. Create a Culture of Encouragement
Praise works even better when it’s part of the classroom culture. One way to do this is through house points, if your school uses them. They give students a shared goal and build a sense of community.
Another idea? Try mini incentives—group rewards, class shoutouts, or positive notes home. While some people worry that rewards can become expected, when used thoughtfully, they’re great motivators. A recent study even found that school trips were a particularly strong incentive for maintaining good behaviour.
5. Never Underestimate the Power of a Call Home
Here’s one of the most underrated strategies: a positive phone call home.
We often call parents when things go wrong. But what if we flipped that? A quick message to celebrate a student’s hard work or positive attitude can be incredibly powerful—not just for the student, but for building trust with families too.
“I just wanted to share that Jamie has been working really hard this week. He asked thoughtful questions today and really impressed me.”
Simple. Effective. And something that student will remember for a long time.
Praise Isn’t Just About Today—It’s About the Future
One of the best things about praise is that it’s not just about managing behaviour in the moment. It’s about shaping how students see themselves. When we praise effort, resilience, kindness, or leadership, we’re helping students build a positive self-image. We’re saying: You’re capable. You matter. Keep going.
This feeds directly into social emotional learning. Students who feel confident and supported are more likely to take risks, speak up, and engage deeply with learning. They’re also better equipped to handle challenges—inside and outside the classroom.
Behaviour Management with Heart
Let’s wrap this up with a simple truth: behaviour management is about people, not policies.
It’s about understanding your students, noticing the little things, and creating a space where everyone feels valued. Yes, there will be tough days. Yes, there will be moments when things don’t go to plan. But when we lead with kindness, consistency, and praise, we build something powerful.
A calm, respectful classroom? That’s not just good for learning—it’s good for life.
Looking for more behaviour management strategies or ways to embed social emotional learning in your school? Stay tuned to the Team Satchel blog for more resources, tips, and stories from educators just like you.
