Are you looking for hacks for motivating students who think everyone dislikes them? If so, keep reading.
1. Let the student attempt something new in private before doing so in front of others.
2. Do not assume that the student is being treated nicely by other students. Peers may be stimulating the student’s unacceptable behavior.
3. Urge the student to interact with others.
4. Give the student frequent chances to meet new people.
5. Do not force the student to interact with others.
6. Make sure the student is not demonstrating a lack of confidence to get the attention of others.
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. Record the number of times the student orally expresses that others do not like or care about them to make the student aware of the frequency.
9. 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 interacting properly with others at school.
10. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., interacting properly with others) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.
11. Take the student away from the group until they can interact properly with others.
12. Communicate to the student that they are a worthwhile individual.
13. 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.
14. Praise those students in the classroom who make positive, compassionate remarks to the student.
15. Praise the student for interacting with others: (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. Find individuals with whom the student may communicate their concerns (e.g., guidance counselor, school nurse, social worker, school psychologist, etc.).
17. Praise the student for interacting with others 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.
18. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.
20. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
21. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
22. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
