I have been meaning to read this for some time and I finally downloaded it to my audible account. I would really recommend this book on audible. Some books just work better on audible and this one is no different!
Paul Dix began his career as a teaching assistant before he became a teacher. He became more and more intent on helping students with challenging and minor behaviours in the school setting as well as helping the adults in those settings develop their own behaviour management skills.
This book is weighted heavily in the principles of restorative practice and relational theory. I really liked Paul’s approach as though restorative practice really connects with me as a person and professional it can be hard to practically know how to apply it. Having completed quite a number of training sessions with Restorative practice, I always had many questions such as: Can we use a sanction, can teachers still be strict, what happens if a child really acts out, can we have suspension or expulsion with RP?
This book slowly and carefully builds up its argument and answers the questions I had plus more! Paul does challenge the conventional wisdom on managing behaviour in schools, offering practical strategies that emphasise the role of adults in effecting change rather than relying solely on punitive measures or complex systems. Drawing on real-life case studies and proven interventions, Dix advocates for an inclusive approach rooted in respect for both staff and students.
The book outlines how traditional methods focused on punishment and exclusion are increasingly ineffective and argues for a shift towards building authentic relationships and setting clear expectations. Each chapter explores key themes such as consistency, empathy, and restorative practices, providing actionable insights and checklists for educators at all levels. A lot of what he outlines were approaches I had set up at the beginning of my teaching career only to forget or push aside for more “creative” approaches. He will help you put some careful routines in place in your classroom and most of all he urges teachers to be consistent in their approach and promises it will work!
This book is a valuable resource for teachers, principals, and SNAs looking to create a positive learning environment based on kindness and understanding. With its emphasis on practical strategies and inclusive ethos, the book offers a clear roadmap for transforming school culture and improving behaviour management across diverse settings. I listened to it on audible but I know in the physical copy, you get more tips and tricks summarised at the end of each chapter. His website https://whentheadultschange.com/ also contains free PDF summaries of each chapter which will be useful for staff meetings or general policy making.
What books have you read that have helped you in your behaviour management and relationship building in the class?