Are you looking for techniques to support students who exhibit unpredictable behavior? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide a predetermined signal (e.g., quiet sign, hand signal, oral signal, etc.) when the learner begins to demonstrate an unacceptable behavior.

2. Maintain a pleasant/calm atmosphere that would lessen the possibility of sudden or dramatic changes in behavior.

3. Minimize distracting stimuli(e.g., place the learner in the front row, give a carrel or quiet space away from distractions, etc.). This is used as a way of reducing stimuli, not as a punishment.

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

5. Always treat the learner with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

11. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for demonstrating appropriate behaviors related to situations at school.

12. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., demonstrating appropriate behavior related to the situation) and what reinforcement will be made available when the terms of the agreement have been met.

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

14. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong and (b) what the learner should be doing.

15. Praise the learner for demonstrating appropriate behavior: (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.).

16. 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.

17. Praise the learner for demonstrating appropriate behavior related to the situation based on the duration of time the learner can be successful.

18. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate appropriate behavior related to the situation.

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

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