The environmental setting always needs to be considered when an undesirable behavior occurs (see Chapter 4 – The Classroom).

Create a supportive classroom

• Provide a calm environment
• Minimize distractions
• Emphasize routine
• Behavioral expectations should reflect behavioral abilities
• Focus on assisting student rather than disciplining
• Provide a time out/study area away from the group
• Make sure the student feels safe

Use simple and brief communication

• Provide brief, clear information
• Give explicit instructions
• Check for understanding (verbally)
• Have student demonstrate understanding

Establish clear and simple rules

• Post the rules and the consequences
•  Review the rules and the consequences
• Model the rules and review the consequences
• Rehearse the rules and review the consequences
• Follow the rules and consequences

The school psychologist or school counselor may be a good resource to help with social skills training.

Use social skills training

• Model appropriate behavior (role play; students may imitate observed behavior)
• Reward other classmates for their positive behavior
• Teach how to appropriately handle frustration and disappointment
• Teach how to get someone’s attention in an acceptable way
• Practice desired behavior
• Reinforce desired behavior
• Re-teach appropriate behavior

Teach self-talk

• Teach how to ask for help
• Teach how to consider good choices
• Teach how to remember rules
• Involve the student in discussing solutions to difficulties