1. Dodging the Power-Struggle Trap: Ideas for Teachers

3.  Quick stress reduction-deep breathe (silently)  Respond in a calm, business like manner  Keep responses brief  Talk to a student privately  Avoid biting the hook, aka ignoring until later  Divert the students attention  The ‘antiseptic bounce’  Allow a cool down break for the student  Paraphrase essential concern  Ask open-ended questions-never ask ‘Why’

4. De-escalation Techniques

5.  Re-phrase negative words with positive words. Ex: “If you don’t return to your seat, I won’t help you with your assignment” “I can give you some help on your assignment just as soon as you return to your seat”

6.  Watch your emotional posturing  Be aware of your body language, facial expression and tone of voice  Increase personal space

7.  Frame choices in a two part statement: The teacher first states the negative or non- compliant choice and it’s consequences, then states the positive behavioral choice and subsequent consequences. Ex: “Bob, you can continue to yell at me which will get you lunchtime detention for a week, or you can take a break in the hallway to calm down and come back to class when you’re ready, which will allow you to have lunch with friends”

8.  Try to avoid a full blown conflict by asking something like: “is there something we can do right now to earn your cooperation?” ( may need to be asked a second time)  Model negotiation as a positive means to resolving conflict.  Treat the student with dignity.

9.  Never use humor in a sarcastic or teasing manner  Follow up privately with the student later

10.  Prompt the student to acknowledge his/her own feeling state directly  Use tentative language with emotional labeling Ex: Lisa, you sound angry or appear frustrated, etc..

11.  What underlying message is being conveyed through this disruptive behavior? Ex: Student starts to laugh loudly when he/she is asked to answer a math problem in front of the class. What could the message be ?

12.  Braithwaite, R. (2001) Managing Aggression. New York: Routledge.  Lanceley, F. J. (1999). On-scene guide for crisis negotiators. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.  Sprick, R. S. Borgmeier, C., & Nolet, V. (2002). Prevention and management of behavioral problems in secondary schools. In M. Shinn, H. M. Walker, & G. Stoner (Eds). Interventions for academic and behavioral problems II: Preventive and remedial approaches. Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists  Mayer, G. R. (2000) Classroom Management: A California resource guide. Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles County Office of Education. Retrieved September 29, 2003, from http://www.cde.ca.gov/spbranch/safety/resourceguids/classro ommgmt.pdf