The two biggest mistakes teachers make with behaviour – and how to fix them

Classroom behaviour can feel like a minefield - even for the most experienced teachers. In my work training educators across Australia, I often start with this simple truth:

Most behaviour struggles aren’t caused by “bad” kids or “bad” teachers. They’re caused by ineffective strategies repeated under pressure.

There are two mistakes I see time and again in classrooms:

Mistake #1: Too much talking

When a student is misbehaving, our instinct is often to explain, reason, or remind. We try to talk them into compliance. But here’s the catch: children aren’t misbehaving because they don’t know the rule. They’re testing limits, seeking attention, or emotionally overwhelmed.

The more we talk, the more we reward that behaviour with airtime – and the more we risk escalating the moment.

Mistake #2: Too much emotion

Behavioural outbursts are stressful. It’s natural for teachers to react with frustration or exasperation. But when we meet student dysregulation with adult dysregulation, no one is leading the classroom.

Calm is the superpower.

So what works?

1-2-3 Magic® & Emotion Coaching in the Classroom teaches teachers how to use clear signals and low-emotion strategies to manage behaviour without lectures or power struggles.

• Less talking

• Less escalation

• More structure, consistency, and calm.

Teachers who complete the training walk away with:

• A whole-school behaviour framework

• Tools to teach emotional self-regulation

• A practical strategy for managing difficult behaviour using the 1-2-3 counting method.

If your school is ready to move away from reactive discipline and toward restorative calm, this might be the reset your staff need.

REGISTER HERE to join us for a live, online, free, information session on Wednesday 23 July, from 11.30am-12.15pm.

Learn more #123Magic #ClassroomManagement #SchoolBehaviour #TeacherPD #EmotionCoaching