Anyone that works with students in special education knows that dealing with different types of behaviors is always part of the job whether you are a teacher or their parent.
Knowing some intervention strategies for dealing with different types of situations and to prevent certain situations can always be helpful in the special education world.
Offer Choices
Some students do not get a lot of say in their day. If they are forced to wear an outfit that they do not want and eat something for breakfast that they do not really like, they could already be having a rough start to their day. When they come to the classroom, if they are demanded to “start your morning work” right when they enter the room, their cup may overflow, and a meltdown could occur. It is best to give students choices whenever possible throughout their day to make them feel empowered, even if it is as simple as asking them, “Do you want to write your name at the top or bottom of your paper?”
Break Student Work into Small Chunks
Giving students three pages of math work could feel overwhelming for some. A tip is to fold the page in half so that the student can only see half of the problems at once. Keep the other two math pages face down on the table or save them for later work at a different time so as not to overwhelm them all at once.
Have a Visual Schedule and Preview it Often
Having a visual schedule is extremely important for students in special education, especially for students with Autism and students who are non-verbal. Students like to know what is happening at certain times of their day, when they can expect to have breaks, eat lunch, and even go home. It is also a nice visual for them to be able to see how many of their tasks they have completed for the day and how many items are left to complete. Having a visual schedule and showing what is expected of them (even in small chunks) can help students have a more successful day with fewer behavior issues. Parents can implement visual schedules to help with routines at home as well.
Have a Quiet Area for Breaks
Most of the students in your classroom will need to take a break at some point. Certain students will need a quiet place to sit or lie when they are angry and upset over something. You could use a corner of the room with either mats or carpet on the floor and some calm-down sensory tools to utilize nearby. Setting a timer to signal them to come and let you know when they are feeling better can also help.
Preview the Rules and Expectations Consistently
Some students might misbehave because they are impulsive and do not think through the consequences of their misbehavior before they act. It is best to briefly review rules and expectations at certain times of the day, especially before a student may be entering a potentially challenging situation or setting. If the instructor has a rewards system in place, he or she can use that to encourage positive behavior and the behavior that they want to see from that student.
Use Social Stories
Using social stories to teach appropriate social behaviors and responses in different situations can help students with special needs navigate social interactions more effectively.
Try Collaborative Problem-Solving
Implementing a collaborative problem-solving approach where students are involved in identifying challenges, brainstorming solutions, and implementing strategies together fosters independence, critical thinking, and social skills development among students in the special education classroom.
Here is a short snippet from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about behavioral supports that might give you more ideas:
Here’s another training on behavior strategies that might help as well!
By joining the membership, individuals also gain access to an extensive library of over 13,000 pre-written IEP goals, empowering them with a wealth of options to support their students’ unique needs.
Learn more and become a member of The Intentional IEP today!
Teach Self-Regulation Strategies
Teaching students self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or self-calming strategies can empower them to manage their emotions and behaviors effectively in various situations. It’s a great way to prevent behaviors from escalating.
Use Visual Cues and Supports
Utilizing visual cues such as visual timers, cue cards, or visual prompts can aid students in understanding and following instructions, transitions, and expectations in the classroom. It can be something as simple as a sign language sign or card that students place face up on their desk when they need help that makes all the difference in their frustration levels and, ultimately, their behavior.
Use Yes Language
How would it feel to be told no all day? It wouldn’t be the greatest feeling. Students are much more empowered to do what parents and educators need them to if they are going to get something that they want in return.
For example, if a student asks, “May I have an M&M?” Instead of saying “No, not right now,” you could choose to answer this way: “Yes you can, after you complete your independent work station.”
Dealing with student behaviors can be difficult and exhausting. Implementing these intervention strategies can help you try to prevent some of these situations with students.