15 Hacks to Help Learners Learn to Fit in With Their Peers

Are you looking for hacks help students to learn to fit in with their peers? If so, keep reading.

1. Take the student away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

2. Utilize role-play to simulate several situations the student might be involved with, and to teach the student how to interact properly (e.g., how to have an appropriate conversation at the lunch table, how to ask to play a game with others, etc.).

3. Always treat the student with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

4. Take an interest in the student; know the student, ask the student’s opinion, spend time working one-on-one with the student, etc.).

5. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., taking action before thinking about what they are doing) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., considering consequences, thinking about the correct response, considering other persons, etc.).

6. Assist the student in creating a friendship by pairing them with another student for learning activities. As the student shows success, slowly increase the number of students in the group.

7. Teach the student problem-solving skills: (a) find the problem, (b) find goals and objectives, (c) create strategies, (d) create a plan for action, and (e) carry out the plan.

8. Teach the student to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).

9. Let the student voice their opinion in a situation to avoid becoming upset or angry.

10. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., sitting near a student, talking to a student, etc.) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

11. Observe the student closely in situations in which they are likely to act impulsively (e.g., keep close physical proximity, keep eye contact, regularly connect with the student, etc.).

12. Organize the student’s surroundings to limit chances for unacceptable behavior(e.g., keep the student participating in learning activities, have the student seated near the teacher, keep visibility to and from the student, etc.).

13. Make sure that consequences are delivered continuously for behavior demonstrated (i.e., appropriate behavior results in positive consequences, and unacceptable behavior results in negative consequences).

14. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Choose your Reaction!