This section establishes the foundational mindset that underpins all effective behaviour support. Participants will examine the principle that all behaviour is communication, explore the Behaviour Iceberg as a framework for looking beyond surface presentations, and develop the ability to reframe common behaviour labels, naughty, lazy, rude, disrespectful, into the underlying needs they actually represent. This shift in perspective is the prerequisite for every strategy that follows.
This section equips participants with two practical, evidence-based frameworks for analysing and understanding challenging behaviour: the ABCs of Behaviour (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence) and the SEAT framework (Sensory, Escape, Attention, Tangible). Together these tools give teachers a systematic, repeatable approach to identifying the function of a behaviour, the essential step before any effective response can be designed.
Behaviour and the sensory system are inseparable. This section provides participants with a practical understanding of the eight senses, including the less familiar vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive senses and their direct relevance to the dance studio environment. Participants will also examine executive function, the impact of dysregulation on learning and behaviour, and the principle of co-regulation. This knowledge underpins the sensory component of the SEAT framework and informs practical environment and response decisions.
This section translates the frameworks and sensory knowledge from earlier sections into direct, actionable practice. Participants will examine communication strategies, visual supports, environmental design, rule-setting, and calming interventions - all grounded in the principle that proactive design prevents more behaviour than reactive response ever will. Content is drawn from 17 years of applied experience in inclusive performing arts settings and is designed to be immediately applicable to the next class.