As Special Ed teachers we have students who run the gamut in terms of needs and behaviors. It is not uncommon to have a student with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in the classroom.
However, working with a student with ODD can be challenging without the right mindset and resources. The ideas below can help!
One of the best places to start with a child with ODD is to know what motivates them. When you know what makes them “tick” it makes it easier to speak their language and help them stay on track.
When possible, make the activities their choice. If you have math centers for them to complete, give them the choice between doing the card game first or the dice game. If they have ownership of the activity, it keeps them more invested. It also gives them that very important sense of control that they crave.
Patience goes a long way when working with students with ODD. Oftentimes, students with ODD have a great deal of anxiety and their behavior is a way to try to gain control in a situation where they feel they have none. Realizing the “why” behind their behavior can help make it a bit easier to have the patience needed.
Check out this short clip from one of the trainings inside of TII membership about behaviors:
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For some students, behavior charts work wonders. Get them invested in the chart, the behavior required, and the consequences by talking with them about what the rewards will be if they complete the chart. Behavior charts don’t work well for some students so keep that in mind if you are not seeing results when using them.
Routine is very important for students with ODD. Have the schedule for the day posted somewhere in the classroom, but also consider giving the student their own personal schedule tracker. It helps them stay in control of their day and can lessen some of their anxiety.
If you are looking for different behavior strategies during a tough situation – look no further. When you join The Intentional IEP, you can download this resource to have on hand when look for a variety of different strategies to use. Join here, or click the image above!
Dehydration can wreak havoc on moods and behavior. Staying hydrated and encouraging your students to drink water throughout the day can make a huge difference in their behavior and attitude towards learning.
Along the line of consistency, it is very important that your students know that you say what you mean and mean what you say. Grey areas can cause anxiety, so your ODD students need to know that you will follow through on what you say. It can be challenging to stick to consequences, but it is important that your students know exactly what to expect at all times.
Working with students with ODD can be challenging, but when you give them choices, establish a routine, and eliminate grey areas it will make things easier. If you need support do not hesitate to reach out to colleagues and your administration to get the help that you need.
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