Are you looking for ways to respond to students who throw temper tantrums? If so, keep reading.
1. Ignore the student’s temper tantrums. Do not let the student have their way when crying.
2. Show the student how to control angry feelings when things do not go their way (e.g., count to 10, say the alphabet, etc.).
3. Make sure you do not give into the student’s temper tantrums because others are present. Provide consistency at all times.
4. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., dealing with unhappiness appropriately) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.
5. Give the student alternative learning activities, games, etc., in case learning activities prove upsetting.
6. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties to tell them about the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.
7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.
8. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for dealing with unhappiness appropriately at school.
9. After telling the student that they cannot do or have something, explain the reason.
10. Give the student alternative learning activities to perform in case some learning activities prove upsetting.
11. Praise the student for dealing with unhappiness appropriately based on the number of times they can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the amount of time required for reinforcement.
12. Praise those students in the classroom who deal with unhappiness appropriately.
13. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.
14. Talk with the student to explain(a) that you recognize that they are unhappy and (b) appropriate ways to deal with unhappiness.
15. Praise the student for dealing with unhappiness appropriately (e.g., orally stating their unhappiness, problem-solving, 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.).
16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.
18. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
19. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
20. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
