Behavior management strategies designed to prevent tense classroom situations from intensifying
Our teachers and leaders are floundering in managing student behaviors. One of the most impactful approaches for behavior management strategies and navigating disruptive moments is the use of preventative behavioral techniques prior to students entering a completely dysregulated state.
Preventative Techniques: Calming the Storm
Preventative behavioral strategies aim to prevent tense situations from intensifying, enabling teachers to maintain control calmly and without confrontation. Below are key Tier 1 behavior management strategies that teachers can incorporate regularly in their classrooms to help prevent behavioral outbursts.
Avoid Engaging in Power Struggles
When a student becomes defiant, it can be tempting to assert authority to maintain control. However, engaging in a power struggle can heighten tension, making the situation worse. Instead, a powerful behavior management strategy can be to focus on redirecting the rest of the class to prevent giving more attention to the disruptive behavior. This approach can reduce the student's need to "win" while preserving the teacher's authority.
Give Clear, Concise Directions
In moments of heightened emotion, less is more. Use simple, direct instructions that tell the student exactly what you want them to do. Avoid lengthy explanations, which can confuse or frustrate an already upset student. A calm tone and non-confrontational body language can go a long way in helping the student feel understood rather than challenged.
Model Deep-Breathing Techniques
Calmness is contagious. When a student is visibly upset, but still in control of themselves, showing them a simple breathing exercise can signal that they, too, can regain emotional stability. Invite them to take a few deep breaths with you, helping to lower both their heart rate and the tension in the room. Modeling this response also demonstrates self-regulation, a vital skill for managing emotions.
Provide Choices to Offer a Sense of Control
Defiance often stems from a feeling of helplessness or lack of control. Offering a choice—such as "Would you like to take a five-minute break or work quietly at your desk?"—can give the student a sense of autonomy. By providing options, you empower the student to make a positive decision, which can help de-escalate the situation.
Designate a Calm Area in the Classroom
A "cool-down" area in the classroom allows students a safe space to reset. This space can include sensory objects, soft seating, or calming visuals. Giving students the option to step away and self-soothe can help them regain composure without needing to leave the room or disrupt learning further.
Acknowledge Emotions Without Reinforcing Negative Behavior
Recognizing and validating a student's emotions can help them feel seen and understood. Statements like, "I see you're really frustrated right now. Let's find a way to calm down before we talk," convey empathy. However, avoid reinforcing the negative behavior by rewarding it with undue attention. Instead, focus on addressing their emotions constructively.
Conclusion
While these techniques may not be as effective in situations where a student has completely lost control or is displaying physically or verbally aggressive behavior, they are practical Tier 1 behavior management strategies for teachers to use with students who are experiencing heightened emotions, but still maintain some self-regulation.
My November package, Strategies to Support Student Behaviors in the Classroom, includes all of this and more. You can access the package by joining Behind the Desk, or grabbing it on my TPE store.
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