PBIS @ Home

When school implements PBIS they create a set of expectations, rules and routines to share with the students.    At the beginning of the year, as well as throughout the year, teachers and staff model these expectations using classroom and building wide lessons to establish and reinforce Longfellow Pride. These expectations remain the same for students on the playground, in the classroom, and in common areas in the building.  But what about expectations, rules and routines at home? Using PBIS at home can help students maintain school expectations, as well as create a positive home environment. 

Promoting Positive Behaviors At Home 

Look for the positive in your child’s behavior.  Here are four practices that you can use at home to create a positive behavioral environment  . . . .

“Catch ‘Em Bein’ Good!”

Actively WATCH your child(ren):

• On a regular basis provide obvious, positive watching
• Find opportunities for positive interactions – a walk, a bike ride, a trip to your local park
• Catch ‘em bein’ good – don’t nag on the negative, praise for the positive

CATCH ‘EM EARLY, before the situation escalates out of control:

• Role play what you expect and don’t expect before the problem arises
• Review expectations on a regular basis – let them tell you what you expect
• Don’t just say it, try it, so the know what the right way looks like
• Provide praise when things are going smoothly

Actively engage in PLAY THAT TEACHES:

• Provide opportunities for interactive success with prosocial peers and adults
• Teach self-management skills that will help your child in sticky situations
• During interactions, praise expected behavior

Acknowledge expected behavior when you CATCH ‘EM BEIN’ GOOD!: 

• 4 Positives = 1 Negative
• Respond quickly when a problem arises, state expected or desired behavior
• Don’t treat everyone same – individualize to meet the needs of the child
• BE POSITIVE even when you’re not feeling that way

Source:  Sugai, G, Effective Behavior Management for Parents:  “Catch’em bein’ good!” OSEP Center on Positive Behavioral Education and Research, University of Connecticut, September 21, 2010.  

Parents can use the form below to promote positive behavior and encourage their child to make a difference for others at home and in their community. 

PBIS Resources for Parents 
To learn more about PBIS and how you can apply these concepts at home, visit some of the following links.

1. Getting Behavior in Shape at Home (available in English and Spanish) is about half way down the list of documents
2. Sample Family Matrix  will give you ideas on how to create your own behavioral expectations matrix.
3. PBIS at Home - MPS offers information on developing and carrying out expectations at home