Academic and Behavioral Interventions

Are you looking for ways to motivate students to interact with their teachers? If so, keep reading.

1. Coordinate for one-to-one, teacher/student interactions.

2. Organize their surroundings so the student is required to interact with the teacher frequently.

3. To find out the student’s needs, connect with the student as often as chances permit.

4. Embody for the student appropriate positive oral greetings, requests, and indications of disagreement.

5. Teach the student that they are a worthwhile individual.

6. Ask the student questions often to urge communication.

7. Teach the student communication skills (e.g., hand-raising, expressing needs in written and/or oral form, etc.).

8. Urge the student to covey their needs to other staff members in the academic environment (e.g., school counselor, school psychologist, principal, etc.).

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. Acknowledge the student’s attempts to connect needs (e.g., facial expressions, gestures, in learning experience, self-deprecating remarks, etc.).

11. Teach the student appropriate positive oral greetings (e.g., “Hi.” “How are you doing?” “Excellent to see you.” “Haven’t seen you in a long time.” etc.).

12. Teach the student appropriate positive oral requests (e.g., “Please pass the paper.” “May I be excused?” “Will you please help me?” etc.).

13. Teach the student appropriate positive ways to orally indicate disagreement (e.g., “Excuse me.” “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s correct.” etc.).

14. Show accepting behavior and interest in the student’s needs (e.g., willingness to help others, making criticisms constructive and positive, demonstrating confidentiality in personal matters, etc.).

15. Teach the student to use problem-solving as an alternative to isolation (e.g., “Let’s talk about it.” “Let’s compromise.” “Let’s see what would be fair for both of us.” 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.

Are you looking for strategies to encourage students to interact with their teachers? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the student the responsibility of being a teacher’s assistant for a learning experience (e.g., holding up flash cards, demonstrating the use of equipment, etc.).

2. Give the student the responsibility of tutoring another student.

3. Be sure to greet or acknowledge the student as often as possible (e.g., greet in the hallways or cafeteria, welcome to class, acknowledge a job well done, call the student by name, etc.).

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

5. Get the student to run errands that will require interactions with teachers (e.g., delivering attendance reports, taking messages to other teachers, etc.).

6. Talk with the student from a distance. Slowly decrease the distance until a close proximity is achieved.

7. Make sure that directions, explanations, and instructions are delivered on the student’s capacity and ability level.

8. Utilize an alternative form of communication (e.g., puppet).

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

10. Create situations in which the student must interact (e.g., handing finished tasks to the teacher, delivering a message to a teacher, etc.).

11. Select a peer to model appropriate interaction with teachers for the student.

12. Urge the student to question any directions, explanations, and instructions not grasped.

13. Assess the appropriateness of expecting the student to express needs to teachers.

14. Allow mobility throughout the classroom to ascertain the student’s needs.

15. Give the student assistance regularly throughout the day.

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.

Are you looking ways to teach students not to start arguments and fights with peers? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the student to put themselves in someone else’s place (e.g., “How would you feel if someone called you dumb or stupid?”).

2. Praise those students in the classroom who connect appropriately.

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. Do not provide too much free time for the student.

5. 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?”).

6. Let the student voice their opinion in a situation to avoid becoming angry or upset.

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 for 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 demonstrating appropriate behavior at school.

9. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., communicating with peers positively) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

10. Make sure there will always be adult supervision where the student will be (e.g., lunch, recess, P.E., etc.).

11. Praise the student for communicating appropriately 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.

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

13. Do not leave the student alone with other students when the student is upset or angry.

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., calling names, making unacceptable gestures, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., following the rules, staying on-task, paying attention to their duties, etc.).

16. Praise the student for communicating appropriately with peers: (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. Refrain from the discussion of topics that are sensitive to the student (e.g., divorce, unemployment, alcoholism, etc.).

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 teach students not to start arguments and fights with peers? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach the student acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, etc.

2. Minimize the stimuli that contribute to the student’s derogatory remarks or unacceptable gestures.

3. Give the student a quiet space to work (e.g., study table, “private office,” etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

4. Give the student the chance to work with a peer who will be an appropriate model.

5. Separate the student from the peer(s) who is the primary stimulus or focus of the derogatory remarks or unacceptable gestures.

6. Make sure the student knows the logical consequences of unacceptable behavior(e.g., peers choosing not to interact with him/her, exclusion from learning activities, etc.).

7. Make the student find appropriate alternative behaviors after an instance of derogatory remarks or unacceptable gestures.

8. Solidify on-task behavior by providing a full schedule of daily activities. Stop lag time from happening when the student would be free to take part in unacceptable behavior.

9. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure may result in anger and frustration that may take the form of derogatory remarks or unacceptable gestures.

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

11. Intervene early and often when the student begins to agitate or provoke peers.

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

13. Take the student away from the classroom if they are unable to demonstrate self-control. The student should not be allowed to remain in the classroom and be abusive to peers.

14. Provide visibility to and from the student. The teacher and the student should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

15. Notify others (e.g., teachers, school staff members, etc.) of the behavior expected of the student so they will urge appropriate behavior from the student.

16. Take the student away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior.

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

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? If so, keep reading.

1. Give a designated area for the student when they become frustrated with a situation (e.g., counselor’s office, study carrel, resource room, etc.).

2. Assist the student in recognizing the signs of becoming overexcited. Explain an appropriate action to gain self-control.

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

4. Make other staff members aware of the student’s tendency to become easily angered, annoyed, or upset.

5. Do not criticize when correcting the student; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the student to feel negatively about themselves.

6. Get the student to consider the consequences and situations in which he/she is most likely to fail.

7. Remove the student immediately from the presence of others when they get angered, annoyed, or upset.

8. Give a quiet space away from peer interactions for the student to work independently. This is not to be used as a form of punishment but as a chance to increase the student’s success in their environment.

9. Show the student the reason why they cannot have or do something.

10. Attempt to reduce or prevent things from happening that cause the student to become easily angered, annoyed, or upset.

11. 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.

12. Teach the student alternative ways to express their unhappiness (e.g., talking about a problem, asking for help, etc.).

13. Do not let the student use ADHD as an excuse. Hold the student responsible for their actions. However, accept the problems that ADHD brings into the student’s life while they are learning to make accommodations.

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

15. Do not let the student take part in a situation unless they can demonstrate self-control.

16. Do not force the student to interact or remain in a group if they are likely to become angry, annoyed, or upset.

17. Make sure that the student knows the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., being avoided by others, not being able to take part in special learning activities, etc.).

18. Converse with the student about ways of successfully handling situations without conflict (e.g., walk away from the situation, change to another learning experience, ask for help, etc.).

19. Teach the student to recognize when he/she is becoming angry, annoyed, or upset and ways in which to deal with their feelings.

20. Urge the student to associate with peers with whom they get along well to prevent them from getting angry, annoyed, or upset.

21. Urge the student to talk with a trusted adult when they are angry, annoyed, or upset.

22. Select a peer who will be an excellent influence (e.g., someone younger/older, of the same gender, of the opposite gender, etc.) to work with the student.

23. Be firm, fair, and consistent. Address the student’s behavior in a manner that is as fair as possible.

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

25. Teach the student alternative ways to deal with situations that make them frustrated, angry, etc. (e.g., withdrawing, talking).

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.

Are you looking for genius ways to encourage students to control their anger? If so, keep reading.

1. Notify individuals who will be spending time with the student (e.g., substitute teachers, coaches, learning experience sponsors, etc.) about their capacity and ability to become easily angered, annoyed, or upset.

2. Assess the visual and auditory stimuli in the classroom. Ascertain the number of stimuli the student can tolerate. Remove unnecessary stimuli from their surroundings.

3. Ask the student why they become easily angered, annoyed, or upset. The student may have the most accurate perception as to why they become easily angered, annoyed, or upset.

4. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., problem-solving, moving away from the situation, asking for assistance from the teacher, etc.) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

5. Provide maximum supervision of the student. As the student shows self-control, slowly decrease supervision.

6. Observe the behavior of other students in the class to make sure they are not teasing or otherwise stimulating the student to become angry, annoyed, or upset.

7. Make sure that your remarks are in the form of constructive criticism rather than criticism that could be perceived as personal, menacing, etc. (e.g., instead of saying, “You always make the same mistake,” say, “A better way to do that might be … “).

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

9. Allow the student some movement while performing tasks. Observe and limit the amount of movement.

10. Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly tasks at school. Ascertain which tasks encourage impatience. Manage learning activities so a pleasurable learning experience follows one that stimulates impatience.

11. Make sure the student knows that total fairness is impossible. Sometimes, people have to do more than others or do things they do not want to do simply because they have to be done.

12. Ask the student why they believe they get so upset over trivial things.

13. Urge the student to realize that all behavior has negative or positive consequences. Urge the student to practice behaviors that will lead to positive consequences.

14. Teach the student acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

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

16. Provide visibility to and from the student to keep their attention when oral questions/instructions are being delivered. The teacher and the student should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

14. Provide supervision. Do not leave the student alone with other students.

18. Make the student aware of the logical consequences for becoming easily angered, annoyed, or upset (e.g., loss of friendships, injury, more restrictive environment, legal action, etc.).

19. Urge the student to consider the consequences of their behavior before engaging in any learning experience.

20. Minimize learning activities that might threaten the student (e.g., announcing test scores aloud, making students read out loud in class, overly praising the success of high achievers, 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.

Are you looking for hacks to help kids control their anger? If so, keep reading.

1. Tell the student that it is their behavior that determines whether consequences are positive or negative.

2. Get the student to make a list of consequences associated with regularly occurring behaviors (e.g., by disrupting others, I will be perceived as unmannerly; by behaving aggressively, I will cause people to avoid me.).

3. Give the student as many high interest learning activities as possible.

4. Refrain from topics, situations, etc., that may cause the student to become easily angered, annoyed, or upset (e.g., divorce, death, unemployment, alcoholism, etc.).

5. Provide a routine (schedule) that will minimize erratic or impulsive behavior that may result in negative consequences.

6. Teach the student techniques to monitor and maintain understanding of their stress and frustration levels (e.g., for instant control: stop, count to 10 using slow deep breaths and try to relax. If needed, remove him/herself from the situation.).

7. Make sure the student does not become involved in overstimulating learning activities that cause them to become angry, annoyed, or upset.

8. Do not place an emphasis on perfection. If the student feels they must live up to your expectations and cannot do so, they may become angry, annoyed, or upset.

9. Closely supervise the student to monitor their behavior at all times.

10. Teach the student to verbalize their feelings before losing self-control (e.g., “The work is hard.” “Please leave me alone; you ‘re making me angry.”).

11. Separate the student from the peer who stimulates their unacceptable behavior.

12. Get the student to list the pros and cons of an action. Urge the student to ascertain whether the pros outweigh the cons before they take action.

13. Get the student to list five attributes of a patient and respectful person. Get the student to select one of those attributes to work on each week for five weeks.

14. Provide instructions in a compassionate rather than a menacing manner (e.g., “Please finish your math assignment before going to lunch,” rather than, “You had better finish your math or else!”).

15. Give the student a selection of learning activities that can be performed if they become angry, annoyed, or upset.

16. Praise the student for demonstrating self-control based on the duration of time the student can be successful. As the student shows increased self-control, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

17. Praise the student for demonstrating self-control in those situations in which they are likely to become angry, annoyed, or upset: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, passing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

18. Reward the student (e.g., cafeteria, gym, hallway, etc.) for keeping self-control in a particular situation.

19. Get the student to find the situations in which they are most easily frustrated. After they have identified these situations, have them think of ways to minimize their occurrences.

20. Let the student attempt something new in private before doing so in front of others.

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.

Are you looking for ways to teach kids to control their temper? If so, keep reading.

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

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

3. Stop annoying or anxiety-producing situations from happening (e.g., give the student tasks only on their capacity and ability level, give the student only the number of tasks that can be tolerated in one sitting, lessen social interactions that encourage the student to become physically abusive, etc.).

4. Teach the student ways to gain self-control (e.g., count to 10, walk away, talk with someone, etc.).

5. Establish an excellent example for the student by handling situations that may be upsetting in a socially acceptable way.

6. Take the student away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate self-control.

7. Do not let the student have their way when they get angry.

8. Consider consulting with a mental health caregiver about the student’s failure to control their anger.

9. Get the student to ask for help when they need it.

10. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, or instructions they do not understand.

11. Urge the student to remove himself/herself from a situation when they need to gain self-control.

12. Urge the student to ask himself/herself qu estions to avoid impulsive behavior (e.g., “What should I be doing?” “How do I want to be perceived?”).

13. Teach the student to verbalize their feelings before losing control (e.g., “I’m getting tired of waiting.” “I’m getting bored standing here.”).

14. Teach the student to verbalize their feelings when they become frustrated (e.g., “I’m getting frustrated with this project.” “I’m feeling pressured to get this task accomplished.”).

15. Dissuade the student from engaging in those learning activities that cause them to become easily angered, annoyed, or upset.

16. Urge the student to take part in quiet, calming learning activities (e.g., listen to music, read, etc.) when feeling frustrated.

17. Place the student in learning activities in which they can be successful and which will help them feel excellent about themselves. Repeated failures result in frustration and impatience.

18. Let the student take part in mild exercise such as walking upstairs/downstairs, taking a message to the office, etc., when they are feeling frustrated.

19. Urge the student to avoid ingesting any substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol, cold remedies, etc.) that might further alter their capacity and ability to keep self-control.

20. Do not assume the student is being treated nicely by others. Peers may be stimulating unacceptable behavior.

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.

Are you looking for genius tricks to encourage students to interact with their teachers? If so, keep reading.

1. Spend individual time with the student. Do not give more attention to more outgoing students.

2. 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 with teachers at school.

3. Do not force the student to interact.

4. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., sitting near the teacher, talking to the teacher, etc.) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

5. Praise the student for interacting with teachers 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.

6. Pair the student with an outgoing student who engages in conversation with teachers frequently.

7. 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.

8. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., not talking, not making eye contact, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., talking, looking at the teacher, etc.).

9. Praise the student for interacting with teachers: (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.).

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

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

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

Are you looking for ways to teach kids to control their anger? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge the student to pause and consider their thoughts before acting on them.

2. Give constant, positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. Ignore as many unacceptable behaviors as possible.

3. Get the student to anticipate future tasks and create plans for addressing them.

4. Get the student to create an understanding of the consequences of their behavior by writing down or talking through problems that may happen due to their failure to adjust their behavior to various situations (e.g., perceived as unmannerly, avoided, etc.).

5. Assist the student in learning to be happy with their best effort rather than some arbitrary measure of success. Success is measured individually according to capacity and ability level. Progress of any kind is a measure of success.

6. Make sure you are regularly in proximity to the student.

7. 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?”).

8. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate self-control.

9. Give the student an easily grasped list of consequences for unacceptable behavior.

10. Inform the student of the consequences of getting angry, annoyed, or upset before going into a store, going to a friend’s house, having friends over, etc., to reinforce the need for the student to create self-monitoring skills.

11. Talk with the student about the consequences of becoming easily angered, annoyed, or upset on the job site (e.g., fired, not viewed as mature enough for the job, loss of coworkers’ respect, etc.).

12. Get the student to review the consequences of their behavior with someone they trust. Get the student to consider various choices they could have made and the various outcomes.

13. Provide a consistent daily classroom routine (schedule).

14. Allow flexibility in meeting academic requirements when the student becomes angry, annoyed, or upset (e.g., allow more time, modify tasks, give help with tasks, etc.).

15. Select a peer to model self-control for the student.

16. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., to avoid becoming frustrated.

17. Talk about the student’s behavior with them in private rather than in front of others.

18. Plan leisure activities for the end of the day. Make participation in these learning activities dependent upon the conclusion of daily duties and appropriate behavior.

19. Delegate tasks on group projects. Equally distribute the workload to lessen frustration for group members.,

20. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., hitting, arguing, throwing things, etc.) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., moving away from the situation, asking for assistance from the teacher, 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.