How do I defuse Disruptive Behavior in my Classroom or in my House?

A child can be disruptive in many ways in the classroom and attempt to derail learning the whole day if a teacher does not act quickly and efficiently.

The NEA states the following:

The Teacher must set “the tone”. When a student misbehaves, the teacher-student interactions need not become adversarial. Here are some practices teachers can use to set the appropriate tone: 

• Communicate clearly with the student, using understandable vocabulary. 
• Be firm and direct. 
• Use your tone and voice carefully. Don’t get angry or emotional. 
• Be rational and objective. 
• Always provide a time to listen to the student. 
• Ignore trivial denials.

Prevention First 

Prevention is the best way to handle a disruptive student. The first few days of the school year are arguably the most important. They set the tone for the whole school year. Students are feeling out teachers. They will push to see exactly what they are allowed to get away with doing. It is important for teachers to establish those boundaries quickly. Doing so will help deter problems later on down the road. It is also important to start building rapport with your students immediately. Fostering a relationship based on trust with students can go a long way in disruption prevention simply out of mutual respect for one another.

There are situations where this simply does not work and the student becomes a threat to him/herself and the kids around them. The school should have a clear policy about these types of situations. The following can happen within a school to help:

• Many times, a child must be sent home for the day to calm down.
• A Parent/Teacher meeting with the Principal and sometimes Social Worker or Counselor should be scheduled.
• Behaviorist can evaluate and create a Behavior Plan.
• Behavior Chart with Rewards can be implemented.
• Student should be separated from the class if they are going to hurt others and the Main Office should be called for help.
• Possibly an Aide can be assigned to that particular student to help.
• Some schools have a “calm down room/sensory room” where the child can go to relax. Click here to see suggestions on what this type of room should have in it.

Following up can prevent recurrences in the future. If the student has corrected their behavior, then the teacher should periodically tell them that you are proud of them. Encourage them to keep working hard. Even a little improvement should be recognized. If parents and administrators become involved then let them know how things are going from time to time as well. As the teacher, you are the one in the trenches seeing first hand what is going on. Providing positive updates and feedback can help ensure a good working relationship in the future.