Resources to Support Challenging Child Behavior

Write ‘n Pause
Situation: 

Some students in my class never follow directions. They just sit, or don’t put away materials and get what they need next. How can I help these students?

Changing a Behavior that Offends Peers: Replacement Behaviors and Peer Education
Situation: 

My son is 9, has autism, and he is constantly sticking his tongue in his nose out of habit. The kids at school are making fun of him and it grosses other students and people out. Can you suggest a way to stop it?

Engaging a Non-compliant Student: Using a Learning Menu
Situation: 

I have a student in my regular 5th grade classroom, who does not have a diagnosis of any kind. However, he often displays oppositional behaviors. He will refuse to open his eyes, pick his head up off the desk, answer questions, and has recently shown an increase in speaking out in a disrespectful manner towards his teachers. He does not lack the ability to do any of these. Often these defiant behaviors occur when he does not want to engage in a particular classroom assignment, either because he feels unsure of his own abilities or because he feels the exercise/activity/assignment is meaningless and irrelevant. I have several forms of whole-class positive reinforcement systems, but he does not always respond. I have also tried additional individual positive reinforcement tools that he has not responded to either. Can you give some ideas as to how I can help him be more engaged and cooperative in class? Thank you for your insight. I welcome any guidance!

I See My Turn
Situation: 

So many times I have to deal with calling out behavior or tears because I did not call on a particular student. How can I decrease this behavior? I can’t call on everyone all the time.

Sitting at Supper
Situation: 

My child is 5 years old and cannot sit through dinner with the family. He will jump up, come back take a few bites, if any bites at all, bang on the table, and sometimes just leave and play with his toys. We never have a peaceful family meal. Any suggestions?

Grocery List Prep Tool
Situation: 

My son screams in the grocery store and everyone stares. I barely make it through the store, what can I do?

Dealing with Grief
Situation: 

I am a long-term sub right now in a special education class. The teacher I have been covering for is out due to a serious illness. I am attempting to put together a presentation/information about anticipatory grief to help ease the anxiety the situation has created for the students. 3 students in the class have autism and I thought there might be a social story or other resources on your site to help with this issue. Can you share any resources on helping children cope with grief?

Teaching Children Home & School Routines
Situation: 

The Watson Institute has received a number of questions from parents searching for resources to teach their child how to complete various tasks with greater independence or how to set routines for their child. For example, one parent noted that her daughter had difficulty staying focused while getting ready for bed in the evenings. She was looking for a resource to help her stay focused and be more independent. Another parent asked about teaching their son to brush his teeth before bedtime and incorporate that into his daily morning and evening routines.

 

We’ve also heard from educators looking for ways to support their students with exceptionalities who may have difficulty following along during activities or particular classes.

Managing Behaviors in Public Settings
Situation: 

The Watson Institute has received a number of questions from parents looking for resources to help them manage their child’s behavior in various public settings. Community activities such as going to church, visiting the library, going out to eat, and going to a doctor’s appointment have been our most requested topics.

Families are seeking help with preventing behavioral meltdowns while in these public settings.

Interrupt and Redirect: For Toddler Throwing
Situation: 

My two year old throws everything on the floor and lately picks up a toy, an object, whatever, and throws it at me. How can I help him correct his behavior?