Understanding Student Behaviour Through the Lens of Needs and Skills

Behaviour is a form of communication. This session invites educators to examine behaviour with curiosity: "What does this student need and what skills are missing?" Using a needs-based and skill-building approach, participants will explore how stress, lagging executive functioning, and unmet emotional needs impact behaviour. Participants will: Identify the difference between skill gaps and misbehaviour. Examine common lagging skills (e.g., emotional regulation, flexibility, problem-solving). Explore how unmet needs—such as safety, belonging, and competence—drive behaviour. Develop practical strategies to teach missing skills and meet student needs in the classroom. Through reflection, discussion, and case examples, educators will gain a deeper understanding of behaviour as communication and leave with actionable strategies to support students more effectively. 61 Participants