Our year is off to a great start! As PBIS Chair it is my goal to share ways to help deter some common unexpected school behaviors. This month’s topic is on scholars’ use of inappropriate language. As Kelli Norgaard mentioned in the Essential 8 training this summer, many of our scholars need to “learn how to school.” This includes what words are appropriate for the school setting. A vital part of PBIS is teaching our scholars REPLACEMENT expected behaviors when trying to correct unexpected behaviors.
| Model | Praise | Reinforce | Observe | Wonder Why | Listen |
| Regularly say the words, phrases, and responses you would like your scholars to exhibit whenever opportunities arise.
Model appropriate language regularly and frequently. |
Praise scholars for using modeled language. -PROUD points -verbal praise -other forms of recognition |
Explain to the scholars which words or phrases you would like them to replace with the appropriate language and practice it with them in role plays. | When scholars say inappropriate things, remind them what the appropriate word or words would be, having them practice it.
Respond to inappropriate language immediately. |
Consider making a list of appropriate words or phrases and hanging it in the class. Think about the reason why the scholar may be using inappropriate language (i.e. is he or she experiencing academic difficulties, frustrated with an individual or action, having issues at home or outside of your classroom). | Take scholars’ suggestions as to what appropriate words would be to get them involved. |
Code Switching Chat
Scholars who have difficulty expressing themselves appropriately oftentimes need additional help with code switching. Code-switching teaches scholars to change their speech to fit the environment and/ or social group in which they are interacting. It also occurs when a speaker alternates between two or more language or language varieties (i.e. slang).
Tips
- Remind scholars that you expect them to adhere to “professionalism”
- Provide scholars with an alternative word to say
- Reinforce the scholar when they use the “replacement word”
| Scholar Term | Code-Switch Term |
| “Bruh” | Mr. Ms. Mrs. |
| “Shup up.” “Stop talking to me” |
I don’t feel like talking about this right now.
|
| “That hoe just tried me” | Someone is provoking me! |
| “F*@ck” “Sh!t” “B**tch” “Ni@@a” |
I’m frustrated! |
I Statement Technique
Taking responsibility for your feelings will help you improve your communication when you feel upset or angry. One way to achieve this is by using “I” statements. This technique will allow you to communicate what is upsetting while minimizing blaming. If our statements feel too blaming, the person we are trying to speak to will often become defensive. You can use I-statements to communicate in writing or orally.
Try the statement below:
I feel 1.______________ (emotion) when you 2. __________ (behavior/ action). In the future, I would like you to 3. ____________ (behavior/ action). This will prevent/ help 4. __________ (conflict).
The Release Strategy
The release strategy is used to reduce scholar anxiety and teach scholars how to cope during times of distress. If the scholar appears frustrated, upset, or angry, encourage the scholars to use the release strategy so that the scholar can effectively express what they are upset about.
- Relax and take three deep breaths
- Excuse the issue or comment (Ignore it)
- Let my teacher know privately (one-on-one))
- Explain what happened to my teacher using positive language
- Ask my teacher to change my seat or a quick break
- Slowly count to 20 to myself
- Expect a positive outcome