Academic and Behavioral Interventions

Are you looking for strategies to help students who respond inappropriately to praise? If so, keep reading.

1. Embody appropriate ways to respond to interactions with other students or teachers.

2. Recognize and praise the student when they will most likely be able to demonstrate an appropriate response (e.g., when the student is not being singled out in a group).

3. Recognize and praise the student in private. The public aspect of praise or recognition is often the cause of the unacceptable response.

4. Give the student many chances for social and academic success so they may learn how to respond appropriately.

5. Assess the appropriateness of the social situation concerning the student’s capacity and ability to function successfully.

6. Distribute praise and recognition equally to all members of the class.

7. Give praise or recognition for smaller increments of success so that the student may slowly become accustomed to the recognition.

8. Give praise and recognition as a natural consequence for appropriate behavior.

9. Attempt several groupings to ascertain the situation in which the student is most comfortable.

10. Make sure that reinforcement is not provided for unacceptable behavior(e.g., paying attention to the student only when they respond improperly to praise or recognition).

11. Utilize alternative forms of praise or recognition that are not menacing to the student (e.g., written notes, telephone calls to parents, display of work done well, etc.).

12. Show praise with a matter-of-fact delivery and avoid exaggerated exclamations of success.

13. Utilize feedback related to performance (e.g., test scores, grades, etc.) in place of praise or recognition. As the student becomes more capable of accepting praise and recognition, slowly deliver oral praise and recognition.

14. Instead of emphasizing winning or “beating” other students in competition, urge individual success or progress that may be enjoyed privately rather than publicly.

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

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

17. Make sure that other teachers and school staff members who work with the student know that the student does not respond properly to praise and recognition.

18. Praise those students in the classroom who respond properly to praise or recognition.

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

20. Praise the student for responding properly to praise or recognition: (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.).

21. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., saying “thank you” when given praise or recognition) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met

22. Praise the student for responding properly to praise or recognition based on the number of times the student can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the number of times required for reinforcement.

23. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e .g., behaving improperly when recognized by others) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., saying “thank you,” smiling, etc.).

24. Convey your feelings in a socially acceptable way.

25. Connect with the parents to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for responding properly to praise or recognition at school.

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for genius ways to teach students not to make inappropriate comments to teachers? If so, keep reading.

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

2. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., using appropriate language) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Convey your feelings in a socially acceptable manner.

7. Praise the student for communicating appropriately 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.).

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for hacks to encourage students not to make inappropriate comments to teachers? If so, keep reading.

1. Refrain from physical contact with a student who is likely to become orally abusive (e.g., a pat on the back may cause the student to argue, threaten, call names, curse, etc.).

2. Provide an appropriate physical distance from the student when interacting with them to avoid stimulating the student to make unacceptable remarks.

3. Utilize language that is pleasant and calming when speaking with the student to avoid stimulating the student to make unacceptable remarks.

4. Do not criticize. On occasions where correcting the student, be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the student to feel negatively about themselves.

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

6. Talk objectively at all times.

7. Be firm, fair, and consistent with expectations and consequences of behavior.

8. Teach the student appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

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

10. Make sure that your remarks to the student are in the form of constructive criticism rather than criticism that can 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 … “).

11. Praise those students in the classroom who connect appropriately with teachers.

12. 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?”).

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

14. Talk with the student to explain(a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., arguing, menacing, calling names, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., following the rules, staying on-task, paying attention to their duties, etc.).

15. 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 communicating appropriately at school.

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 teach students not to make inappropriate comments to teachers? If so, keep reading.

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

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

3. Give the student a quiet space to work. This is to be used as a means of reducing distracting stimuli, not as a punishment.

4. Give the student the chance to work with a peer who will be a model for communicating appropriately.

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

6. Require that the student find appropriate alternative behaviors after an instance of derogatory remarks or unacceptable gestures.

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

8. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may increase the student’s anxiety and result in anger and frustration that may take the form of derogatory remarks or unacceptable behavior.

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

10. Alter or adjust situations that contribute to the student’s use of obscene or profane language (i.e., if a task causes the student to become upset, modify the task to a level at which the student can be successful).

11. Talk regularly with the student to monitor language used.

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

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

14. 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 successfully managed in one sitting, lessen social interactions that encourage the student’s use of obscene language, etc.).

15. Minimize learning activities that might threaten the student (e.g., announcing test scores aloud, having students read aloud in class, praising high achievers excessively, etc.).

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 encourage students not to touch people without their permission? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the student oral recognition and reinforcement for social and academic success.

2. Minimize the chance for the student to take part in unacceptable physical contact (e.g., stand an appropriate distance from the student when interacting).

3. Attempt several groupings to find a situation in which the student’s need for physical attention can be satisfied by socially acceptable interactions (e.g., holding hands while dancing in an extracurricular learning experience, a hug for an accomplishment, handshake or a high five in sports, etc.).

4. Teach the student appropriate ways to interact with others (e.g., oral and physical introductions, interactions, etc.).

5. Utilize logical consequences when the student touches others as they walk by (e.g., move the student to another place in the room, have others walk away from the student, etc.).

6. Ask the student why they make unwarranted contact with others.

7. Praise the student for respecting the norms of physical proximity based on the duration of time they can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

8. Praise those students in the classroom who interact properly with other students or teachers.

9. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., shaking hands rather than hugging) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

10. Take the student away from the learning experience until the student can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

11. Separate the student from the person who is the primary focus of the student’s attempts to gain frequent physical contact.

12. 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.).

13. Reveal to the student that public displays of frequent physical contact are unacceptable. Give the student high interest learning activities (e.g., academic learning activities that are inherently exciting, learning activities during free time, etc.).

14. Make sure that reinforcement is not provided for unacceptable behavior(e.g., paying attention to the student only when they make unnecessary physical contact).

15. Urge faculty/staff members with whom the student interacts to reinforce appropriate physical contact.

16. Praise the student for respecting norms of physical proximity: (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. 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 strategies to teach students not to touch people without their permission? If so, keep reading.

1. Recognize the student when they seek attention orally instead of making it appropriate for the student to gain attention through physical contact.

2. Provide the student your full attention when communicating with them to prevent the student’s need for physical contact.

3. Let logical consequences happen as a result of the student’s unacceptable behavior(e.g., excessive physical contact may cause people to stay away from the student or may result in pushing, shoving, etc.).

4. Urge faculty/staff members with whom the student interacts to reinforce appropriate physical contact.

5. Refrain from inadvertently stimulating the student’s unnecessary physical contact (e.g., attire, language used, physical proximity, etc.).

6. 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 respecting the norms of physical proximity at school.

7. Show the student what kinds of physical contact are appropriate and acceptable.

8. Make sure the student sees the relationship between their behavior and the consequences that may follow (e.g., touching and hugging people all the time may result in others not wanting to be around him/her).

9. 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.

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

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

12. Talk with the student to explain (a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., touching, hugging, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., talking, exchanging greetings, etc.). Talk about appropriate ways to seek attention.

13. Model socially acceptable physical contact for the student (e.g., handshake, pat on the back, etc.)

14. Stop the student from becoming overstimulated by a learning experience(e.g., monitor or supervise the student’s behavior to limit overexcitement in physical learning activities, games, parties, etc.).

15. Give the student social interaction in place of physical interaction (e.g., call the student by name, speak to the student, praise, congratulate, etc.).

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 genius ways to teach students not to become aggressive with teachers? If so, keep reading.

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

2. 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?”).

3. Get the student to practice appropriate oral exchanges that should be made when typical physical exchanges take place (e.g., “Excuse me.” “I’m sorry.” etc.).

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

5. 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.

6. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate appropriate behavior when interacting with teachers.

7. Take the student away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

8. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., respecting the rules of physical proximity) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

9. Praise the student for demonstrating appropriate 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.

10. 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.

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 respecting the norms of physical proximity at school.

12. Converse with the student to explain (a) what the student is doing wrong (e.g., pushing, pulling away, grabbing, etc.) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., following the rules, interacting in appropriate ways, dealing with anger and frustration in appropriate ways, etc.).

13. Praise the student for demonstrating appropriate 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.).

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to make inappropriate comments to teachers? If so, keep reading.

1. Talk with the student about ways to deal with unpleasant experiences that would typically cause them to use obscene language (e.g., talk to the teacher, go to a quiet area in the room, visit a counselor, etc.).

2. Make sure that positive reinforcement is not inadvertently given for unacceptable language (e.g., paying attention to the student only when they are using profane or obscene language).

3. Provide a predetermined signal (e.g., hand signal, oral signal, etc.) when the student begins to use unacceptable language.

4. Address the student calmly and deliberately rather than in a manner that would show evidence of shock and surprise.

5. Model using appropriate language at all times (e.g., use appropriate language to express disappointment, unhappiness, surprise, etc.).

6. Teach the student appropriate words or phrases to use in situations of anger, stress, frustration, etc.

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

8. Intervene early and often when unacceptable behavior occurs to prevent the behavior from becoming more severe. Deliberate interventions may prevent future problems.

9. Refrain from arguing with the student.

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

11. Always treat the student with the utmost respect. Converse with the student in an objective and professional manner at all times.

12. Do not ignore the student’s unacceptable behavior. Ignored behavior may increase in frequency and may lead to contagion on the part of other students.

13. Refrain from confrontations with the student that lead to unacceptable behavior on the part of the student (e.g., give the student options for alternative tasks, other times to perform tasks, assistance in performing tasks, etc.).

14. Create a routine (schedule) of learning activities and tasks for the student so they know what to expect at all times.

15. Assess the appropriateness of the task concerning the student’s capacity and ability to perform the task.

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 support students who are easily angered? If so, keep reading.

1. Let the student take a break to regroup when they are becoming angry, annoyed, or upset.

2. Teach and 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.

3. Teach the student decision-making steps: think about how others may be influenced, think about consequences, carefully consider the unique situation, think of various courses of action that are possible, think about what is ultimately best, etc.

4. Provide a positive/calm environment (e.g., positive remarks, acknowledgment of successes, quiet communications, etc.).

5. Look for the warning signs (e.g., arguing, loud voices, etc.) that the student is getting upset or angry. Intervene to change the learning experience to prevent more severe problems from happening.

6. Connect with the student’s 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 self-control at school.

7. Provide consistent expectations.

8. Conference with the student’s parents, a school official, a social worker, etc., about the student’s behavior if it is causing them to have problems getting along with others.

9. Remove the student immediately from a situation when they begin to be angry, annoyed, or upset.

10. Solidify appropriate behavior by providing a full schedule of daily activities. Stop lag time from happening when the student would be likely to become involved in learning activities that would cause them to be angry, annoyed, or upset.

11. Assess the appropriateness of the academic task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, or (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

12. Give the student alternative learning activities, games, etc., in case some learning activities prove upsetting.

13. Teach yourself and others about ADHD to increase comprehension and accommodation of impulsive behavior.

14. Connect with the student’s parents, agencies, or appropriate parties to inform them of the student’s problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.

15. Teach behaviors that promote self-control. Let the student gain their composure before continuing a learning experience (e.g., placing hands on desk, sitting with feet on the floor, making eye contact with the person who is talking, etc.).

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

17. Urge the student to create an understanding of themselves and those around him/her. Get the student to periodically step back and ask themselves, “Am I behaving too aggressively?”

18. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure and frustration may cause the student to become angry, annoyed, or upset.

19. Teach the student about ADHD and the need to self-monitor behavior.

20. Make sure that all teachers and staff who have contact with the student understand the importance of keeping consistency in the discipline of the student.

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 teach students not to become aggressive with teachers? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the student as many high interest learning activities as possible to keep them from becoming physically aggressive toward teachers.

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

3. Make sure that all school staff members are aware of the student’s tendency to become physically aggressive so they may monitor the student’s behavior.

4. Refrain from arguing with the student (e.g., calmly deliver consequences without reacting to the student’s remarks).

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

6. Put reinforcement emphasis on academic productivity and accuracy to lessen the likelihood of the student becoming physically aggressive toward teachers (i.e., increased productivity and accuracy should lessen the likelihood of unacceptable behavior).

7. Minimize or remove any stimulus in their surroundings (e.g., possessions, competition, teasing, etc.) that leads to the student’s physically aggressive behavior.

8. Make sure the student knows the logical consequences of becoming physically aggressive toward a teacher (e.g., less freedom, more restrictive environment, assault charges, etc.).

9. Stop the student from receiving too much stimulation (e.g., monitor or supervise student behavior to limit overexcitement in physical learning activities, games, parties, etc.).

10. Restrict the student’s chance to enter areas of the school environment in which they are more likely to be physically aggressive.

11. Do not force the student to interact or remain in a group when they are physically aggressive (e.g., daily reading group, physical education group, etc.).

12. Always give the student behavioral options (e.g., sitting out of a learning experience, going to a quiet space in the room, performing another learning experience, etc.).

13. Provide consistent behavioral expectations and consequences to lessen the likelihood of the student becoming upset by what they consider unfair treatment.

14. Restrict the student’s independent movement in the school environment.

15. Refrain from physical contact with the student who is likely to become physically aggressive.

16. Provide an appropriate physical distance from the student when interacting with them to avoid stimulation of aggressive behavior.

17. Utilize language that is pleasant and calming when speaking with the student to avoid stimulation of aggressive behavior.

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

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

20. Intervene early and often when there is a problem to prevent more severe problems from happening.

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

22. Teach the student appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

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

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

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

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

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