Are you looking for ways to encourage students to tell the truth? If so, keep reading.

1. Assist the learner in understanding that by exaggerating the truth, they may even come to believe what they exaggerate, and that exaggerating may become a routine (schedule).

2. Teach the learner 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. Create a system of shared responsibility

4. Observe the learner closely to monitor the accuracy of the statements made.

5. Refrain from making accusations that would increase the likelihood of the learner making inaccurate statements in response. If it is known that the learner is responsible, an admission of guilt is not appropriate to deal with the situation.

6. Refrain from putting the learner in a situation in which they have the chance to lie, deny, exaggerate, etc., (e.g., highly competitive learning activities, situations with limited supervision, etc.).

7. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for making accurate statements at school.

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

9. Talk with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., lying, denying their behavior, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., reporting accurately what has occurred or will happen).

10. Praise the learner for making accurate statements: (a) give the learner 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 learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

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

12. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., making accurate statements) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

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

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

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

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