Are you looking for genius tricks to encourage students not to make inappropriate comments to peers? If so, keep reading.

1. Refrain from ignoring the learner’s unacceptable behavior. Ignored behavior may increase in frequency and may lead to contagion on the part of other students.

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

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

4. 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.

5. Teach the learner appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

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) the duration of time scheduled for the task is sufficient.

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

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

9. Get the learner to practice appropriate oral exchanges that should be made (e.g., “Excuse me.” “I’m sorry.” etc.).

10. Give the learner the chance to work with a peer who will be an appropriate model for interacting with other students.

11. Refrain from the discussion of topics that are sensitive to the learner (e.g., divorce, unemployment, alcoholism, etc.).

12. Talk regularly with the learner to monitor language used.

13. Intervene early and often when the learner begins to make unacceptable remarks to other students to help prevent the learner from losing control.

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

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

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.