Insights from Beyond the Bell: Decoding Behavior to Build Supportive OST Environments

Dealing with challenging behaviors in afterschool and summer programs can often feel like a hurdle, but what if we viewed those behaviors as a form of communication? In a recent presentation for the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Kelsie Offenwanger explored how understanding the "why" behind a child's actions can help staff create environments where every student feels safe, heard, and ready to succeed.

Whether you are navigating the transition to summer programming or looking to strengthen your current site, below are the key takeaways for shaping behavior through support and connection. (You can also watch the full webinar recording here.)

Relationships: The Essential Foundation
Before we can address specific behaviors, we must build a strong foundational relationship rooted in trust and mutual respect. While we cannot change a child’s genetics, we have a significant say in the nurture—the environment we provide.

To boost your impact, try these simple rapport-building techniques:

• The 1:5 Rule: For every 1 (one) negative or corrective interaction, aim for 5 (five) positive ones to boost the relationship.
• The Name Game: Research shows that greeting a student by their first name makes them more likely to engage and feel seen.
• Mirroring Smiles: Use a consistent, friendly face; smiling releases "mirror neurons" that encourage the child to smile back.

Understanding the "Why": The Four Functions of Behavior
Every behavior serves a purpose, often referred to as a "function." When we identify the function, we can choose the right intervention. The four most common functions are:

1. Attention: Seeking engagement from a peer or adult, whether positive or negative.
2. Escape or Avoidance: Trying to get out of a difficult task, a noisy environment, or a social situation.
3. Access to Tangibles: Acting out to get a specific item, like a snack, a toy, or a tablet.
4. Sensory Input: Engaging in behaviors that provide internal reinforcement, such as movement to calm the nervous system.

By observing patterns—such as the time of day or a specific setting—staff can identify these functions and shift the environment to prevent the behavior before it starts.

The Power of Predictability and Visuals
An environment that is predictable, supportive, and engaging reduces defenses and decreases anxiety for youth. Consistency is key; even though afterschool and summer is a time for fun, having a structured schedule helps kids acclimate better. Visual supports are one of the most effective tools for this. Using visual schedules or "First-Then" choice boards give children a sense of autonomy and helps them understand what is coming next. For example, a choice board can turn a challenging task into a positive one: "First we do our project, then we get choice time with the sensory bin."

Practical Tools for Your Staff Toolkit
Helping students regulate their emotions is a skill that can be taught through play. Consider incorporating these activities into your daily routine:

• Three Good Things: A simple gratitude exercise where everyone shares one positive thing from their day. Studies show this practice increases optimism and happiness over time.
• 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding: A mindfulness technique where kids identify things they see, feel, and smell to help regulate their bodies when they feel overwhelmed.
• Emotional Charades: Using games to act out feelings helps youth recognize non-verbal cues and build a deeper "feelings vocabulary."

Celebrate the Small Wins
Finally, remember the power of positive praise. Catch them being good! Whether it is a student pushing in their chair or using their words to express frustration, celebrating these small milestones builds intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy.

What is your action step? This week, try to home in on the function of one recurring behavior in your program. By shifting our perspective from "managing" behavior to "understanding" it, we can create a more inclusive and joyful space for all our kids.