As teachers, we all face a range of challenging behaviours in our classrooms. There’s so much that can trigger these behaviours, from a lack of understanding to external stressors. But realistically, we don’t have the luxury of time to stop mid-lesson and diagnose the root cause of every issue that arises. Reacting to every disruption just isn’t effective or sustainable.

But what if there were a straightforward strategy that could help reduce many of those low-level behaviours while also increasing engagement and even regulating students? The good news is, there is one—and it’s simpler than you might think.

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Understanding Low-Level Behaviours: What’s Really Going On?

Before diving into the strategy, it’s worth considering what often causes those small, disruptive behaviours that can derail a lesson. Low-level behaviours might seem like minor annoyances, but they’re usually signals of something bigger happening beneath the surface. Here are a few common triggers:

• Lack of Structure or Clarity: Students might pick up on mixed messages, even if we think we’re being clear. If boundaries or instructions aren’t coming across the way we intend, students can end up feeling unsure of what’s expected.
• Lack of Confidence or Anxiety: Sometimes, students feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. When tackling a challenge feels too daunting, it’s easier for them to act out—like chatting with a friend, goofing around, or refusing to engage—than to face the discomfort of trying and possibly failing.
• General Dysregulation: Low-level behaviours are often signs of underlying dysregulation. Whether it’s a fight, flight, or freeze response, students can express this through seemingly small behaviours like putting their heads down, being silly, or ignoring requests.

These are just a few of the possible causes. But instead of addressing each one individually, there’s a tool that can help cover all these bases at once.

The Strategy: Using Well-Presented Task Cards

At this point, you might be thinking, “Task cards? Really? That’s it?” But don’t underestimate their power. Let’s break down why they’re so effective.

Task cards are small, structured prompts, questions, or activities that students work on independently, in pairs, or in small groups. Each card focuses on a single, clear task, breaking down complex activities into bite-sized steps. By offering a clear roadmap, task cards help students navigate the learning process with confidence, providing them with the structure and clarity they need to stay engaged. But task cards aren’t just about instructions—they also communicate success criteria, time limits, and checklists, all of which play a crucial role in guiding students towards success.

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Why Task Cards Work So Well in Reducing Low-Level Behaviours

Let’s dig into the key reasons why task cards can have such a positive impact on classroom management:

• They Increase Engagement: Task cards are designed to present learning in focused, manageable chunks. When students can tackle tasks step-by-step, it feels less overwhelming, and they’re more likely to stay motivated. The clear, concise nature of each card helps keep students on track, minimising distractions and promoting better concentration and participation.
• They Make Tasks Clearer: We all know that clear instructions are essential, but repeating them constantly can be exhausting. Task cards offer explicit, easy-to-follow directions that students can refer back to as needed. This reduces confusion and the need for constant reminders, allowing students to focus on the task rather than feeling lost or frustrated.
• They Promote Autonomy: One of the biggest benefits of task cards is that they give students a tangible reference point they can rely on throughout the lesson. Instead of repeatedly asking for help, students can independently access the information they need to move forward. This not only empowers them to take charge of their own learning but also reduces their reliance on the teacher for constant guidance.
  
  

Creating Effective Task Cards: What to Include

To make task cards truly effective, it’s important to embed all the key elements of a clear lesson. The goal is to set students up for success with minimal intervention needed from you. Here’s what to include in each task card:

☑ Success Criteria: Clearly outline what success looks like so students can self-assess and know when they’re on the right track. This prevents them from feeling unsure or lost as they work.

☑ Checklists: Break the lesson into manageable steps with a simple checklist. This allows students to work through tasks autonomously, knowing exactly what to do next without having to ask for directions.

☑ Time Frames: Set clear expectations for how long tasks should take. This keeps students focused and prevents time from dragging on aimlessly.

☑ Prompts or Sentence Starters: Include clues or starter phrases to help students get going. These reduce anxiety, build confidence, and guide students towards completing the task successfully

☑ Outcomes: Make sure students understand the purpose of what they’re doing. When they see the relevance and value of the task, they’re more likely to engage and put in the effort.

Grab the done for you template!

If you're a Behaviour Club member, I've got you! You will find the task card template inside of your members hub along with the rest of your teaching and learning toolbox. If you want to become a member to access this and the many other goodies waiting, visit the-unteachables.com/tbc

Not a member? You can grab this as a one-off Canva template along with a quick 3 minute training video on how to put it to use!

A Final Word on the Humble Task Card 

Using task cards is a simple yet powerful strategy to reduce low-level behaviours, boost engagement, and foster student autonomy. By embedding key elements like success criteria, clear instructions, and time limits, you create an environment where students know exactly what’s expected and feel confident in achieving it. This not only minimises disruptions but also empowers students to take ownership of their learning.