Are you looking for ways to get students to look on the bright side? If so, keep reading.
1. Always find opportunities to make positive remarks about the student and school.
2. Teach the student appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.
3. 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?”).
4. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for being more positive at school.
5. Converse with the student to explain (a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., complaining, not taking part, reacting negatively, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., taking part, being enthusiastic, etc.).
6. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., making positive remarks) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.
7. Praise the student for being more positive based on the duration of time the student can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.
8. Praise those students in the classroom who are positive in reacting to situations.
9. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.
10. Teach the student to respect others by respecting the student.
11. Always treat the student with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.
12. Praise the student for being more positive in reacting to situations (e.g., trying a task, making a positive comment about a learning experience, etc.): (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.)
13. Let the student voice their opinion in a situation to avoid becoming angry or upset.
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.
16. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
17. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
18. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
