You will experience many different students and different strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.Students with behavioral problems can be difficult to deal with in class.In the moment, address the behavior of the student.Take means to get the student back on track.Measures can be taken in your classroom to discourage problem behavior.Establish and reinforce clear rules to prevent problem behaviors.
Step 1: When a behavior poses a threat, identify it.
Some behaviors are not dangerous.A student can refuse to participate or talk during class.These behaviors can be dealt with in a more gentle way.There are dangerous behaviors that should be dealt with immediately.If a student is hurting another student, intervene.Don't allow a student to make a threat.If a student does not follow through with a threat, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Step 2: If you want to interrupt problematic behavior, start with small gestures.
Small gestures will stop disruptive behavior.If a student is talking in class, start by standing next to their desk.The disruptive behavior will often be stopped by proximity.If that doesn't work, escalate your gestures.If standing by the student's desk doesn't work, try tapping on their desk.If that doesn't work, ask them to stop talking.Try to address a behavioral issue without drawing too much attention.Embarrassing them or calling them out in front of the class may make them angry and more likely to act out.
Step 3: The student should be separated from the rest of the class.
If a student becomes dangerous, you may need to separate him or her.Keeping the other students safe is important if a student is lashing out.It's a good idea to have another adult escort your students out of the classroom.It may be easier to remove a violent student.If you have a teaching assistant, make sure he or she takes other students to a safe area.You can escort the violent student from the hallway to the principal's office or the nurses' office.Make sure someone is in charge of your class.
Step 4: A disruptive student can be distracted.
There is a chance that you can prevent an angry student from becoming violent.Younger or older students may not know how to deal with emotion.It is possible to distract them from their anger.While talking softly, acknowledge the student is angry."James, I understand you're upset that Jane took the toy you wanted."Try to change the subject.Distract the student from his or her interests."James, you like to paint, right?"Jane could play with the Legos while you played with Mason's fingerprints.
Step 5: Students should be reminded of classroom rules.
Refer a student to the rules when they act out.The student needs to understand the rules in your classroom.You should have a list of basic classroom rules on your wall.You will have something to refer to when a student does something.When a behavior occurs, remind the student of the rules."Mason, remember rule number four?"You're not supposed to speak out of turn.
Step 6: If possible, ignore the behavior.
Students act out for attention.If problem behaviors are not dangerous, it may be a good idea to ignore them.If a student does something during a lecture that can easily be ignored, try not to react.If a student is not getting attention for acting out, he or she may learn to behave better.Don't ignore dangerous behaviors.Right away, if a student is doing something that could hurt himself or herself, it needs to be addressed.
Step 7: The student can be offered a choice.
Giving your student a choice can calm them down.They can take ownership of their actions if you give them a choice that leads to your intended result.They may feel obligated to comply.If a student is talking too much to a friend sitting next to them, you can tell them that they can choose to sit in a seat that will be less distraction or choose a new seat.
Step 8: The consequences should be clear.
If a student continues a problem behavior, he or she should know what will happen.The consequences should be stated while the student is acting out.Reinforce the consequences if he or she continues to act out."If you don't do your in-class activity now, you will have to do it during free period."This could cause the student to follow the rules.Some students will not respond to consequences.Some students may act out.Make sure you enforce the punishment if this happens.Students need to understand consequences and negative actions.
Step 9: A student should be working toward an apology.
A sincere apology can help mend a conflict.After a student acts out, have them and any other involved students step aside to start a conversation.Encourage them to work toward the root of the issue and talk openly about how to avoid similar issues in the future.Students can be directed to a sincere apology.The behavior of the student affects who he apologizes to.If a student hits another student, he or she should apologize.The student should apologize to the class.You should demand an apology from the student if they disrespected you.
Step 10: When it is necessary, use physical restraint.
Physical restraint can be dangerous.You don't want to hurt a student.If a student is hurting another student or himself, you should only use physical restraint.When using physical restraint, use the least amount of force possible.
Step 11: Don't forget to record problem behaviors.
Recording behaviors can show you a pattern.When a student is most likely to act out, you can see it.Triggers can cause the difficult behavior.To record difficult behaviors, keep a notebook.The details of the behavior, when it occurred, and any circumstances surrounding the incident should be noted.Look for patterns.Does the student act out during the day?A student might act out before recess.The student is anxious to leave the classroom.The student may need help regulating his or her energy.
Step 12: Students who are likely to lash out should be supervised more closely.
When problem behaviors occur, increase supervision.This can help with behavior issues.You can keep an eye on your class during certain times of the day.Group work just before recess may need additional supervision.Ask your classroom assistants for help here.They should keep an eye on students when they're likely to act out.
Step 13: Positive behaviors should be reinforced.
Positive reinforcement is better for students than negative reinforcement.Students should be praised for positive behavior instead of being scolded for poor behavior.Students should always be praised for following the rules.Immediately after the good behaviors occur, do so.A lot of students want their teacher to approve them.If students see they gain favor by following rules, they may change their behavior.You can say something like, "Harper, I really like how you waited for me to finish explaining before asking a question."It makes the classroom run more smoothly when everyone is talking.
Step 14: Take a look at any underlying problems.
Students acting out for a reason more often than not.It's important to identify underlying problems so they can be dealt with correctly.A student who behaves poorly may have a health problem, an issue at home, a mental health issue, or may be acting out due to academic difficulties.There may be something else going on if a student's behavior doesn't improve with regular intervention.If the student's behavior is not improving, you may have to have a sit down talk.Is there a reason you're having trouble concentrating?The student can open up about what is preventing him or her from achieving academic success.
Step 15: Make sure your classroom rules are clear.
Good behavior can be encouraged on the first day of class.You don't want to start the school year with confused students.On the first day of class, review your rules.Take time to explain.Students can ask questions later on.The syllabus should include a list of classroom rules.Students can review the rules on their own.
Step 16: Students will be given one-on-one attention.
Students may feel more comfortable engaging in problem behaviors if the atmosphere is depersonalized.Make sure students feel like they have a one-on-one relationship with you.Students will be more likely to follow your rules if they respect you.Make sure you know their names.Until you have all the names down, you can use a photo roster.As students arrive in your classroom, make small talk with them.Ask students about their plans after school.You should have office hours.If students need help with a homework assignment or want to talk about something else, encourage them to come in.
Step 17: Communication should be kept open.
Students act out when confused or angry.Students can tell you about their issues through a system of open communication.Be kind to your students.At the end of the day, greet them and say goodbye.Be kind to your students.Students may be more comfortable opening up about issues they're having if they feel comfortable with you.
Step 18: A child may express needs through problem behaviors.
Don't get angry or frustrated by troublesome behaviors.A student struggling with something is often engaging in problem behaviors.A student may not be able to keep up with schoolwork.Students who act out are not trying to be malicious.You want to make sure students get the attention they need.