Tips for Teachers
Provide the student with simple directives and choices.
• State pre-determined consequences clearly before problems occur.
• Listen to the student before reacting.
• Give brief and direct instructions in a calm tone.
• Discuss the problem privately with the student.
• Walk away before the situation gets too "hot
• State pre-determined consequences clearly before problems occur.
• Listen to the student before reacting.
• Give brief and direct instructions in a calm tone.
• Discuss the problem privately with the student.
• Walk away before the situation gets too "hot
things to Avoid
• Threatening the student.
• Responding emotionally (i.e., getting angry or sarcastic).
• Confronting the student near their peers.
• Responding quickly and impulsively.
• Remaining in the interaction too long.
• Bribing the student.
• Tring to "convince" or persuade the student
• Putting down or shaming the student.
Strategies for Coping in the Classroom
• Responding emotionally (i.e., getting angry or sarcastic).
• Confronting the student near their peers.
• Responding quickly and impulsively.
• Remaining in the interaction too long.
• Bribing the student.
• Tring to "convince" or persuade the student
• Putting down or shaming the student.
Strategies for Coping in the Classroom
- "Cool down time"~Allowing students to have a period of time to collect themselves is highly beneficial. It allows you as a teacher to remove the child from a confrontational situation, and to attend to he rest of your students while the child is calming down. As a result, the child will likely be more receptive to direction or interaction, and you as a teacher will be more effective in responding calmly and without irritation.
- Use a strength based approach~For children with ODD, addressing confrontational issues can be quite challenging. In order to keep from provoking a defiant response, it is helpful to address directives with a positive stance. In extension, let a child know what will happen when they exhibit positive behavior (rewards, positive affirmation, praise, etc.) as opposed to threatening consequences for negative behavior.
- Give students that are often openly defiant frequent praise for even the smallest positive behaviors: behavior that is acknowledged/rewarded (whether positive or negative) is repeated.
- Keep responses to negative behavior calm, succinct, and affirmative ~Do your best not to leave room for argument or debate.
- Be proactive in addressing interruptive behavior before it has a chance to escalate~This makes life easier for you, and your students.
- Be firm on values, but soft on your student~ Being a strong authority figure does not mean sacrificing control. Showing irritation only encourages the student to continue their negative behavior. And remaining calm and in control doesn't mean you need to be soft on classroom rules. Remember, behavior is highly observational, and showing your students how to respond to confrontation appropriately will benefit everyone involved.