Academic and Behavioral Interventions

Are you looking for strategies to help students who are not motivated by rewards? If so, keep reading.

1. Organize a reinforcer survey with the student to ascertain their reinforcer preferences.

2. Connect with parents to ascertain what the student finds reinforcing at home.

3. Show tasks in the most attractive, exciting manner possible.

4. Draft an agreement with the student so they can earn reinforcement at home for appropriate behavior at school.

5. Make sure that the student can be successful at school to earn reinforcement.

6. Give a wide assortment of reinforcers for the student at school (e.g., eating lunch with the teacher; one-to-one time with the teacher, principal’s assistant, assistant to the custodian; extra time in a favorite class, etc.).

7. Praise the student in private. Public reinforcement might embarrass the student.

8. Create an agreement with the parents that access to enjoyable learning activities at home (e.g., watching television, riding bike, visiting with friends, etc.) will be contingent upon appropriate behavior at school.

9. 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.

10. Give reinforcers that are social in nature (e.g., extracurricular learning activities, clubs, community organizations such as 4-H, scouting, YMCA, YWCA, etc.).

11. Assist the student in creating an interest in a hobby that can be used as a reinforcer at school (e.g., stamp collecting, rock collecting, model school building, photography, art, reading, sewing, cooking, etc.).

12. Get the student to make a list of reinforcements for which they are willing to work.

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

14. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

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

Are you looking for ways to support students who express concerns about home, school or personal relationships? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the student positive feedback that indicates they are successful, competent, essential, valuable, etc.

2. Request support from the school counselor, the principal, other teachers, etc., to help the student deal with fears and concerns about school, home, and personal problems so they can concentrate at school.

3. Urge the student to use problem-solving skills: (a) find the problem, (b) find goals and objectives, (c) create strategies, (d) create a plan of action, and (e) carry out the plan.

4. Give praise and recognition as often as possible.

5. Use the student’s accomplishments (e.g., publicly or privately depending on what is more appropriate).

6. Urge participation in school and extracurricular learning activities.

7. Attempt several groupings to ascertain the situation in which the student is most successful.

8. Show respect for the student’s opinions, responses, suggestions, etc.

9. Refrain from the discussion of topics sensitive to the student (e.g., divorce, death, unemployment, alcoholism, etc.).

10. Give the student chances for special project duties, leadership, etc.

11. Give the student as many enjoyable and exciting learning activities as possible.

12. Praise the student for improvement rather than expecting excellence.

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

14. Maintain trust and confidentiality with the student at all times.

15. Urge participation in school and extracurricular learning activities.

16. Give chances for tutoring from peers or a teacher.

17. Select a peer to sit/work directly with the student.

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

19. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

21. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who express concerns about home, school or personal relationships? If so, keep reading.

1. Talk about concerns with other professionals to ascertain if further investigation is warranted (e.g., abuse or neglect).

2. Record the number of times the student writes about fears or concerns regarding school, home, or personal situations to make the student aware of the frequency of their behavior.

3. Take the time to listen so the student realizes that your concern is genuine.

4. Explain that fears and concerns are not unusual for students (e.g., everyone worries about tests, grades, etc.).

5. Find persons the student may contact with their fears and concerns (e.g., guidance counselor, school nurse, social worker, school psychologist, etc.).

6. Talk about ways to practice self-improvement.

7. Give the student chances for social and academic success.

8. Separate the student from a peer who may be encouraging or stimulating fears or concerns about school, home, or personal situations.

9. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure may result in anxiety about performance at school, home, and in personal situations.

10. Give parents appropriate information to help the student with homework and learning activities at home.

11. Make the necessary adjustments in their surroundings to prevent the student from experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, etc.

12. Organize their surroundings so time does not allow time for the student to dwell on fears or concerns.

13. Give the student alternative approaches to testing (e.g., test the student orally, make the tests shorter, let the student respond orally, let the student the test in the resource room, etc.).

14. Get peers to invite the student to take part in extracurricular learning activities.

15. Place emphasis on individual differences and that everybody has strengths and weaknesses.

16. Minimize learning activities that might threaten the student (e.g., announcing test score ranges or test scores aloud in class, emphasizing the success of a particular student(s), etc.).

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

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.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who blame themselves for things outside of their control? If so, keep reading.

1. Show the student that they should be happy with their best effort rather than perfection.

2. Praise the student for accepting errors that they make.

3. Talk with the student to explain(a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., being overly critical of themselves) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., being more constructive in self-criticism when evaluating themselves).

4. Reward the student for accepting the errors they make.

5. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., accepting their best effort) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

6. 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 for the task is sufficient.

7. Praise the student for improvement rather than expecting excellence.

8. Recognize the student often and in several settings (e.g., hallways, cafeteria, etc.).

9. Give the student positive feedback that indicates they are successful, competent, essential, valuable, etc.

10. Give the student success-oriented tasks (i.e., the expectation is that success will result in more positive attitudes and perceptions toward self and their environment).

11. Give the student many chances for social and academic success.

12. Make the appropriate adjustments in their surroundings to prevent the student from experiencing stress, frustration, etc.

13. Select a peer to help the student with class tasks, homework, etc.

14. Place emphasis on individual differences, understanding that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

15. Minimize the emphasis on competition and perfection. Repeated failure may result in unwarranted self-blame or self-criticism.

16. Urge the student to refrain from comparing their performance to other students’ performances and emphasize personal improvement (e.g., keep records of their own progress rather than comparing their work to others).

17. Give the student evidence of their capacity and ability in order that they might better understand that self-blame/criticism is unwarranted.

18. Provide praise and constructive criticism continuously to all students.

19. Minimize learning activities that might threaten the student (e.g., announcing test scores aloud, making students read aloud in class, emphasizing the success of the same student(s), etc.).

20. Ask the student a question when they will most likely be able to answer correctly.

21. Get the student to regularly record their own progress to have concrete evidence of success.

22. Urge the student to be a peer tutor so they may recognize their own strengths and abilities.

23. On occasions where accidents happen, make “cleanup” a group responsibility to express the idea that we all make mistakes and accidents are common to all of us.

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

25. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

26. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

27. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for genius tricks for getting students to participate in learning activities? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not embarrass the student by giving them orders, requirements, etc., in front of others.

2. Make positive remarks about participating in school and special activities.

3. Do not force the student to interact with others.

4. Go with the student or have someone else escort the student to those learning activities in which they may not want to participate. Slowly decrease the duration of time you or someone else stays with the student.

5. Take into account those learning activities the student avoids. If something unpleasant is causing the student not to participate, try to modify the situation.

6. Praise other students in the classroom for participating in group learning activities or special activities.

7. Select a peer to sit/work directly with the student (e.g., in various settings or learning activities such as art, music, P.E., tutoring, group projects, recess, etc.). On occasions where the student has become comfortable working with one other student, slowly increase the size of the group.

8. Assess the appropriateness of the task to determine (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.

9. Communicate 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 participating in classroom learning activities or special activities at school.

10. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., taking part in classroom learning activities ) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

11. Provide the student the chance to pick a topic or learning experience for the group to work on together.

12. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., failing to participate) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., talking, taking turns, playing, sharing, etc.).

13. Praise the student for participating in group learning activities or special activities: (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.).

14. 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.

15. Give the student the chance to select a cooperative learning experience and the group members (e.g., along with the teacher, decide what the learning experience will be, and decide what individual group members will do, etc.).

16. Get the student to take part in learning activities that require minimal participation. As they become more comfortable, slowly increase the student’s participation.

17. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

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

19. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

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

Are you looking for hacks to encourage kids to participate in learning activities? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach the student appropriate ways to interact with peers in classroom learning activities (e.g., share learning materials, problem-solve, take turns, converse, etc.).

2. Observe classroom learning activities closely so peers with whom the student interacts do not encourage unacceptable behavior.

3. Make sure that the classroom learning experience is not so stimulating as to make successful interactions with peers complicated.

4. Teach the student problem-solving skills to better deal with problems that may happen in interactions with peers in classroom learning activities (e.g., talking, walking away, calling upon an arbitrator, compromising, etc.).

5. Restrict chances for interaction in classroom learning activities on those occasions when the student is not likely to be successful (e.g., when the student has experienced academic or social failure prior to the scheduled classroom learning experience).

6. Choose nonacademic learning activities designed to enable appropriate social interaction between the student and peers during classroom learning activities (e.g., board games, model school building, coloring, etc.).

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

8. Using observation and interviews with other students, determine those characteristics of the student that interfere with successful interactions during classroom learning activities. Utilize information gained to ascertain skills or behaviors the student needs to create for successful interactions.

9. Get the student to practice appropriate interactions with the teacher(s) in classroom learning activities (e.g., simulations, role-playing, etc.).

10. Make sure, beforehand, that the student can successfully take part in the classroom learning experience (e.g., the student knows the rules, is familiar with the learning experience, will be compatible with peers engaged in the learning experience, etc.).

11. Make sure the student has the appropriate learning materials for the classroom learning experience.

12. Designate the student duties to perform during classroom learning activities to enable peer interaction (e.g., being a leader, passing out learning materials, acting as a peer tutor, etc.).

13. Make sure the student knows how to use all learning materials for the classroom learning experience.

14. Do not punish the student for not participating in classroom learning activities or special activities.

15. Do not force the student to interact with someone with whom they are not entirely comfortable.

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.

Are you looking for ways to get students to participate in learning activities? If so, keep reading.

1. Let the student select a special event or exciting learning experience for the class.

2. Give the student success-oriented special activities or learning activities so they may develop an interest in them.

3. Alter or adjust situations that cause the student to be reluctant to participate (e.g., degree of difficulty, competition, fear of failure, threat of embarrassment, etc.).

4. Place emphasis on individual success or progress rather than winning or “beating” other students.

5. Give the student chances for small group participation as opposed to large group participation.

6. Urge the student to take part in small groups. As the student shows success, slowly increase the size of the group.

7. Urge the student to share things of special interest with other members of the class.

8. Select a peer to model appropriate interactions in classroom learning activities for the student.

9. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, and instructions not grasped.

10. Let the student select a group of peers with whom they feel comfortable.

11. Ascertain which peers the student would most prefer to interact within classroom learning activities and attempt to enable the interaction.

12. Select outgoing, non-menacing peers to help the student participate in classroom learning activities.

13. Organize their surroundings so the student has many chances to interact with other peers in classroom learning activities.

14. Assign the student to classroom learning activities in which they are likely to interact successfully with peers.

15. Organize a sociometric learning experience with the class to ascertain those peers who would most prefer to interact with the student in classroom learning activities.

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.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who to participate in learning activities? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge or reward others for participation in group or special learning activities.

2. Give the student the responsibility of helping another student in the group.

3. Give the student duties in a group so others might view them positively.

4. Ask the student questions that cannot be answered yes or no.

5. Ask the student a question when they are most likely to be able to respond successfully (e.g., when discussing something in which the student is interested, when the teacher is sure that the student knows the answer, etc.).

6. Attempt several groupings to ascertain the situation in which the student is most successful.

7. Get peers to invite the student to take part in school or extracurricular learning activities.

8. Ask the student to be the leader of a cooperative learning experience if they possess mastery or an interest in the learning experience.

9. Let the student be present during group learning activities without requiring active participation.

10. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Frequent or continuous failure is likely to result in embarrassment that will cause reluctance to participate.

11. Show respect for the student’s opinions, responses, suggestions, etc.

12. Give the student many chances for social and academic success.

13. Give the student positive feedback that indicates they are successful.

14. Show tasks in the most attractive and exciting manner possible.

15. Ascertain the student’s interests so learning activities that require participation might be presented through their interests.

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.

Are you looking ways to teach students to assume responsibility for their shortcomings? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not put the student in a situation where the student feels that they must blame others for their mistakes.

2. 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.

3. Refrain from arguing with the student about whether they are making excuses; simply explain that they are not being entirely honest about a situation.

4. Make sure that consequences delivered for unacceptable behavior are not extreme and are causally related to the unacceptable behavior(e.g., things that are destroyed must be replaced, work not done during work time has to be made up during leisure time, etc.).

5. Refrain from arguing with the student about whether they are telling the truth. If you do not have proof, it is better to avoid blaming someone who might be innocent.

6. Always determine the accuracy of the student’s claim that someone or something caused them to have a problem or to fail. In some cases, someone or something may legitimately be causing the student to experience problems or failure.

7. Make sure the student knows that not being honest when confronted will result in more negative consequences than telling the truth. Be very consistent in this approach.

8. Show the student that they should be happy with their personal best effort rather than perfection.

9. Attempt to have an open, honest relationship with the student. Urge the student to tell the truth, and do not use threats to make them tell the truth (e.g., “You had better tell the truth or else!”).

10. Praise those students in the classroom who accept responsibility for their own behavior.

11. 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 accepting the responsibility for their behavior at school.

12. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., accepting responsibility for their own mistakes) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

13. Praise the student for accepting responsibility for their own behavior 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.

14. 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.

15. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., failing to take responsibility for their behavior, blaming other persons or learning materials, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., accepting responsibility for their own behavior, accepting outcomes, etc.).

16. Praise the student for accepting responsibility for their own behavior: (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.).

17. Take the student away from the learning experience until the student can accept responsibility for their behavior.

18. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

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

20. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

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

Are you looking for strategies to help students who refuse to assume responsibility for their shortcomings? If so, keep reading.

1. Organize the student’s surroundings to lessen interference from peers

(e.g., remove the chance to blame others).

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

3. Give the student many chances for social and academic success.

4. Make the appropriate adjustments in their surroundings to prevent the student from experiencing stress, frustration, anger, etc.

5. Give the student positive feedback that indicates they are successful, competent, essential, valuable, etc.

6. Make sure that excuses are not accepted in place of meeting responsibility.

7. Make sure that all learning materials are appropriate and in excellent working order.

8. Be sure to assist the student when they indicate a need for help.

9. Give the student all the appropriate information prior to a learning experience to enable the likelihood of success.

10. Minimize stimuli in their surroundings that may contribute to the student’s failures or difficulties.

11. Give the student a quiet space to work. Use this strategy to reduce distracting stimuli, not as a form of punishment.

12. Provide tasks that will ensure initial success. As the student’s capacity, ability, and responsibility increase, slowly increase the level of difficulty of tasks.

13. Make sure that instructions and expectations are clearly stated.

14. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure may result in the student blaming someone or something for their own failure.

15. Urge the student to begin tasks early to have time to deal with problems that may arise.

16. Give the student a schedule of daily activities to plan their time accordingly.

17. On occasions where the student blames others for their behavior, calmly present the student with the facts. Urge an open and honest line of communication. Do not make the student fearful of telling the truth even though you may not be happy about the behavior.

18. Assist the student in feeling comfortable coming to you for assistance with a problem by listening and helping with a solution to the problem.

19. Be firm, fair, and consistent with the student. Do not discipline for misbehavior one time and ignore misbehavior the next time.

20. The student must know that, regardless of the reason, it is necessary to take responsibility for not turning in tasks, losing pencils, etc.

21. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

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

23. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

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