Are you looking for ways to teach students not to steal? If so, keep reading.
1. Make sure that the student does not get away with taking things from others by having them immediately return what they take forcibly.
2. Talk with the student to explain(a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., grabbing things from others) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., asking to use things, borrowing, sharing, returning, etc.).
3. Teach the student acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.
4. Observe the student to monitor behavior.
5. Connect with the student’s family to create procedures whereby the student may earn those things they would otherwise take from other students.
6. Teach the student to ask for things positively. Teach keywords and phrases (e.g., “May I borrow your pencil?” “Do you mind if l use your cellphone?” etc.).
7. Take the student away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.
8. Find those things the student has been grabbing from others and give the student those things as reinforcers for appropriate behavior.
9. Urge the student to ask themselves questions to avoid impulsive behavior (e.g., “What should I be doing?” “How do I want to be perceived?”).
10. Urge the student to monitor their impulsivity. Awareness should lessen impulsive behaviors.
11. Teach the student to handle their anger, frustration, disappointment, etc., by walking away from the situation, talking with an adult, etc.
12. Urge the student to verbalize their feelings before losing control (e.g., “I’m starting to act impulsively. I need to walk away from this situation.”).
13. Select a peer who will be an excellent influence on the student (e.g., someone younger/older, of the same/opposite gender, etc.) to take part in learning activities with the student.
14. Remove the student immediately from interacting with others when they begin to take things forcefully.
15. Do not assume the student is being treated nicely by others. Peers may be stimulating unacceptable behavior.
16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.
18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.
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.
