These techniques are not quick solutions and will not work with every student. Some of the ideas are ongoing climate enhancements to create a positive environment with the students. These ideas were provided by alternative education staff across Pennsylvania. New ideas are always welcome.
- Ask open-ended questions.
- Model positive behavior.
- Provide anger management classes.
- Never physically square off with a student.
- Use non-threatening body language.
- Stay engaged less than 10 seconds in each instance.
- Give choice or expectation, then walk away.
- Do not take bad behavior personally.
- Handle the situation without asking for principal’s assistance.
- Treat students fair but not necessarily equal.
- Rewards for good behavior is not always a good idea.
- Train administrators and teachers.
- Encourage students, do not discourage.
- Create a personal time out area. A safe area but in the classroom. Do not use the area in a punitive manner.
- Use guided imagery, Yoga, Tai Chi or meditation.
- Use music to calm and as a coping skill.
- Have student use repetition of a positive statement.
- Use Art Therapy.
- Listen to why the student is angry.
- Put yourself on the same physical level with the student (come out from your desk, sit beside them).
- Use humor.
- Use Roger’s Theory of Congruence – Long term climate
- Use pro-active approaches to get to know the student.
- Practice tolerance.
- Provide zero tolerance for bullying.
- Speak softer when the student’s voice raises in volume.
- Never use finger pointing.
- Never block escape routes.
- Use benign silence.
- Reframe alternative education as a privilege.
- Have a “Resolve” room instead of “Time out”.
- Make eye contact.
- Identify aggressor and separate to neutralize situation.
- Intervene at earliest point of contact.
- Use alternate personnel and staff.
- Allow student to express feelings either verbally or in writing.
- Provide choices to escape the situation.
- Allow students to have whatever time is needed to cool down.
- Use a calming prop such as a water fountain or fish aquarium.
- Allow peer mediation to occur without intervention.
- Create win/win situations.
- Allow the student to take a walk away from the situation.
