5.0 out of 5 stars An essential read for anyone working with, or interested in, behaviour in schools

D.T.O. · 21 July 2017

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } One option available to schools and other organisations to whom the behaviour of children and young people is a priority is to adopt the so-called 'No Excuses' approach. Paul Dix makes it very clear that he is opposed to the 'No Excuses' approach and it's “ugly deterrents”. He has a disregard for ‘Zero Tolerance’ too, which, he argues, inevitably leads to increased punishments and ultimate exclusion. He also calls out the damaging interventions of, what he refers to as, "the punishment brigade". Paul Dix believes in - and describes - a different way. This book is about that different way.The author proposes the development of a culture in schools where positive routines and practical strategies create support and certainty. He vehemently argues that schools - all types of schools - should create a culture that promotes visible consistency, botheredness and kindness; a culture where young people are “ready, respectful and safe”. It is also a reflective culture that asks questions like, ‘what would it be like if adults refused to shout?’ ‘what would it be like if we focused positive attention on effort and not on achievement?’ ‘what would it be like if, when appropriate, the adults said sorry?’ The author is interested in how changes like this can and will have a positive impact upon behaviour in the school?What Paul Dix has achieved in this book is to challenge and move beyond inherently problematic adult-constructed systemic impositions on young people. He offers a radically different vision and perspective where adults in every school take a look at their own behaviour and how that impacts upon school culture regarding behaviour and wider. The author is not saying that “difficult” or “extreme behaviour” is the fault of teachers. In fact, he asserts that schools should support teachers who are dealing with such challenges. His proposition is that the only behaviour that adults can have complete control over is their own. The title of the book illustrates what he thinks happens when adults do take control of their own behaviour.The writing is forthright – for example, Chapter 10 is called “Your Behaviour Policy Sucks”. The author puts forward a simple solution so that weighty and meaningless behaviour policy documents can be banished from schools. The book is realistic – for example, things do not always go well and therefore restorative approaches are detailed should they be needed. The individuality of young people is respected throughout – for example, the reader is encouraged to think about what might be going on in the life of some children and how that can impact upon their behaviour. The whole tone of the book is passionate and optimistic – change can happen and this book will help it to happen.On the back cover of the book Paul Dix is described as a 'notorious teacher-wrangler'.If you are a teacher, especially one interested in behaviour, you should definitely buy this book and enjoy being wrangled.You'll have laughs along the way too.

5.0 out of 5 stars The horse whisperer

G. · 24 November 2022

Do you ever see those videos on Instagram where they’ve bought a horse everyone says is too wild, but they tame him over the years with patience, kindness and understanding? Well this book is how to do that with humans, but quicker.When I was a new teacher and first read this book, I hated it. “Another stick to beat teachers with”. “Great, blame me for everything when I’ve had 5 hours’ sleep”. “No students need to do as they’re told” were among my objections.Then I moved to a school that follows these methods so I felt obliged to re-read it and try again. It makes so much sense, now. In a school with a supportive leadership team, I can apply it and see it working. My stomach doesn’t churn when I see bad behaviour about to start. I know what to do. I can stay calm and firm. I don’t get drawn into arguments. It’s a miracle!Buy it just for the ten reasons you should never shout. Keep reading for the answer to all your behaviour management challenges.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!

j.L. · 7 August 2024

It's so good to see a distinguished academic picking up on and amplifying what I've said for years. As a mentor of ECTs, I insist that the best way to teach is the way that works for you. There is no one way of teaching - we all have strengths and weaknesses. However, I will not stand by and watch new teachers yelling at students and expecting them to show respect. That approach simply makes no sense, and Dix superbly highlights why. The one thing we can control is our reaction to the horrendous behavior we sometimes encounter. Although he didn't explicitly outline this point, I suspect he knows full well the difference between punishment and discipline. The latter teaches children why disruptive behavior must be challenged, and he has ways of steering students towards a more positive MO.I disagree with him over zero-tolerance policies, which he seems to believe are incompatible with teachers having compassion for young people. I disagree because I am compassionate and caring, but I cannot see how we best serve all of our students while letting some of them be disruptive. However, I'm sure Dix is someone that our new Secretary of State for education needs to meet. Great job.

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent insights into actual teaching practice

M.I.W. · 31 May 2022

It’s a bit repetitive but he makes good points and he suggests actual practice change. I’ve been teaching for over 40 years and he has changed the way I do things. And it works. These suggested practices really do have an impact on pupil self esteem and behaviours. But best of all this is a plan to change children’s relationships with adults and with schooling.

5.0 out of 5 stars Blue print to changing behaviour in schools

b. · 19 October 2023

I came across Paul Dix on a course run by Pivotal Education some 7 years ago and could see that it might work but bringing the ideas back to my school was harder to put into practice. We had a very different behaviour policy and I did not have the confidence to try the practice as a HLTA.Moving on and there has been a shift in how my school deals with behaviour, looking beyond the behaviour to the children themselves. It has been recognised that children need consistency, to trust the adults around them and have achievable targets. It can be a series of small steps from both sides to get the 'behaviour nirvana' but the techniques do work.Crucially though, the SLT need to be on board as well. So if you like what you read, tell them about it tooThis book has now appeared on the teacher training book list. About time too

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good condition

b. · 17 February 2024

A very useful book that can be used in the classroom. I have put many strategies into place and am seeing positive outcomes.

5.0 out of 5 stars Every person in education should read!

B.J. · 18 March 2024

What a book! An incredible read. Highly recommend for persons in education or even around children

Powerful Read...

M. · 7 November 2023

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } This is a great book. Heard it recommended countless times on different educational podcasts. I am an assistant principal and I am always looking for ways to help our teachers grow in the area of classroom management. I am also looking to grow as a restorative leader. This book provides a lot of powerful talking points and easy to use strategies. I highly recommend for any educator. One of the best educational books I have read in a long time.

Students don't learn much from people they don't like

S. · 13 February 2018

I love this book by UK author Paul Dix. He really captures the importance of positive relationships between a teacher and a student. Many schools emphasise the 'consequences' aspect of their behaviour management plans and have increasing levels of 'punishment' for students who don't meet expectations. However this can create a disconnection and a power struggle that limits the student's learning. Dix highlights the point that students don't learn much from people they don't like. I am a firm believer that as educators we are in the 'people business' and that relationships are REALLY important. My favourite read of the summer!

Don't be afraid of change!

A.M.W. · 18 August 2017

I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS BOOK . . .GREAT INFO FOR SOME SCHOOL STAFF WHO THINK THEY KNOW IT ALL.

Excellent read

A.C. · 13 May 2020

We are using the pivotal method in our schoolNot all ideas suitable for us but many that we can adapt and useHaving taught in the English system it brought back memoriesEntertaining thought provoking read

It’s up to us

l. · 25 December 2020

Paul gave true anecdotes that will work. Remain consistent, it is achievable and find the small things in the hardest students