What might Dreikurs suggest about a child acting out in class?

Dreikurs’ approach emphasizes the underlying motivations behind children's behavior, particularly in the context of striving for social acceptance and belonging. When a child acts out in class, it is often an indication that they are attempting to gain attention, which aligns with Dreikurs' theory of "attention-seeking behavior."

In his framework, negative behavior is sometimes a way for children to communicate their needs, seek validation, or react to their social environment. By acting out, the child may be signaling that they feel overlooked or unnoticed in the classroom, and this behavior serves as a method to draw attention to themselves, even if that attention is negative. Understanding this can guide educators to respond in a way that addresses the child's need for connection while redirecting their behavior positively.

While other options present valid scenarios in which a child might struggle, they do not capture the essence of Dreikurs' perspective on attention-seeking behaviors as a primary motivation for acting out in class. Insight into this perspective allows teachers to create strategies that foster positive behavior and a sense of belonging among all students.