Many factors that contribute to a student’s likelihood of success — IQ, poverty, health, social and family issues — are beyond an educator’s control. However, teaching behavioral and social skills, increasing attention levels, improving self-control, and focusing on ways to diminish aggression are some steps that an educator can take in the early years to improve students’ chances of success in school and life.
Educators can incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL), teach self-control and practice classroom management skills that encourage better behavior. Increasing levels of physical activity can also improve behavior and even increase cognitive functioning, according to a study published last year.
