5 Keys to Effective Behaviour Management

We all want a positive learning environment where students feel seen, heard, valued - and connected to their learning journey.

And yet… so often, it seems like behaviour management challenges stand between us and that vision.

We’ve done some reflection and research, and developed our 5 keys to effective behaviour management. Drawing on firsthand experiences, this blog focuses on five areas that are not only game-changers, but sit in the preventative space.

We know that investment in preventative measures are so worthwhile, as they drastically reduce the volume of reactive behaviours.

The five areas of wellbeing, boundaries, modelling, relationships, and consistency can transform not only a learning space, but also how students engage. These principles work together to help prevent issues before they start, encourage positive behavior, and provide the clear guidance students need to succeed.

So… what are our 5 Keys for Effective Behaviour Management?

1.Wellbeing: Prioritising Mental and Emotional Health

The foundation of good behaviour management is the wellbeing of both students and teachers. Research has shown that emotional and mental health significantly impacts behaviour. When students feel safe and supported, they are less likely to act out and more likely to engage productively​​.

Think about a time when a student was disruptive, only to realise later they were dealing with something outside of school. We all know that student wellbeing is critical to how they behave and learn. When their mental and emotional health isn’t prioritised, it shows up in the classroom—sometimes in unexpected ways.

In one of our Teacher Wellbeing workshops, a teacher shared a story about a student named Jamie who was struggling with anxiety. By simply creating a "calm corner" in her room—a place for students to take a breather when they feel overwhelmed—she noticed a significant improvement in Jamie’s behavior. Instead of lashing out or disengaging, Jamie started using the calm corner to self-regulate, improving not just his behaviour but also his academic focus.

For teachers, wellbeing is equally crucial. By managing stress and practicing self-care, teachers can maintain the emotional resilience needed to guide students effectively. The state of the educator has a significant impact on the state of both the learning environment and the students - it is admittedly challenging, however, it is our responsibility to manage our state and our wellbeing as they support positive behaviour outcomes.

Teachers deserve support for their wellbeing.

Learn more about our Teacher Wellbeing PD here.

2. Boundaries: Setting Clear Expectations

Boundaries provide structure, and students crave it more than we realise. Setting and maintaining boundaries is essential for a learning environment where students feel safe and supported. Boundaries provide students with a clear understanding of what is expected of them, which promotes a sense of security and fairness. A key part of establishing boundaries is ensuring that students have a voice in the process, involving them in setting classroom norms can increase their sense of ownership and responsibility​.

Many teachers start the year by involving students in creating the class boundaries. By asking for their input, they feel ownership over the expectations.

Research supports the idea that students are more likely to follow guidelines they’ve helped create. When boundaries are set collaboratively, students understand the reasoning behind the rules, making them more likely to adhere to them. This approach not only reduces disruptive behaviour but also fosters a sense of autonomy​.

Having said this - just because we set them, doesn’t mean they’re magically embraced by everyone. Re-visiting and re-aligning to our boundaries is essential throughout the year!

3. Modelling: Leading by Example

It’s easy to tell students what behavior we expect from them, but the real magic happens when we model that behaviour ourselves. We’ve seen teachers completely change the dynamic of their classrooms by consistently demonstrating the attitudes they want their students to adopt.

Students often mirror the behaviour of their teachers. Modelling the behaviour you expect from your students—whether it’s active listening, calm conflict resolution, or demonstrating respect—creates a powerful example for them to follow​. According to self-determination theory, when teachers demonstrate autonomy, competence, and relatedness, students are more likely to internalise these values and reflect them in their own actions​.

When students see us managing our emotions, communicating clearly, and treating others with respect, they follow suit—often without even realising it.

4. Relationships: Building Trust and Connection

Strong relationships between teachers and students are at the heart of behaviour management. Students are more likely to exhibit positive behaviours when they feel connected to their teacher and their peers​. Building trust takes time, but it starts with showing genuine interest in students' lives, being empathetic to their struggles, and creating an environment where they feel heard.

Research highlights the importance of fostering relatedness—students need to feel a sense of belonging in the classroom​. When students trust their teacher and feel valued as individuals, they are more likely to engage and adhere to classroom boundaries. This relationship-building is particularly important for students who may be disengaged or exhibit challenging behaviours, as a positive connection can help redirect their energy into more constructive activities.

5. Consistency: Ensuring Fair and Predictable Responses

Consistency is key to effective behaviour management. Students thrive in environments where expectations are clear and consistently enforced. When teachers apply rules and boundaries fairly, students understand that the classroom is a predictable and just space​. Consistent behaviour management helps prevent confusion and resentment, as students know what to expect regardless of the situation.

Consistency also applies to positive reinforcement. Regularly acknowledging good behavior reinforces the desired actions and encourages students to repeat them. When we are consistent, students feel safe and know what’s coming next, whether it’s praise for good behaviour or a consequence for breaking a boundary. This helps prevent chaos and ensures everyone knows where they stand.

We firmly believe that behaviour management isn’t about keeping a class quiet - it’s about creating a space where students can succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. Each of these five keys work together to create a balanced approach that empowers students and act as preventative measures to decrease the demand for behaviour management.

We know that there is no ‘one size fits all’ when we’re working with our incredibly unique young people, however we hope these strategies support you and your learning space!