Best strategies for behavior management: a roundup of 10 posts and helpful downloads

There are so many strategies for behavior management out there. Most are fairly effective when implemented correctly. But, who has the time to search through all the noise to find one that will work and give you the tools you need for free?

I have put together a collection of 10 of my best blog posts dealing with strategies for behavior management in the classroom, home, and community. You will find a quick, clickable list at the bottom of this post.

Strategies for behavior management in the classroom

Attention-Seeking Behavior: Strategies for the classroom

Attention-seeking behavior is a common behavior problem in the classroom. We get so busy that often the only way a student can get us to stop and listen to them is by using attention-seeking behaviors. And, as with most common behaviors, they are quite effective. This post has some strategies you can use in your classroom today to help minimize attention-seeking behaviors.

There is a free sorting activity included which has students sort appropriate and inappropriate ways to get the teacher’s attention.

getting the teacher's attention sorting activity

Power Cards: an effective behavior management tool

Power cards are small, often 3 x 5 cards, that summarize in just a few words or pictures what the appropriate behavior is in a given situation. You can easily create a power card for just about any social story. They can be highly effective reminders, especially when it has been a while since you focused on that particular skill. Because they are so small and portable, students can easily carry them and refer to them as needed. In addition, they do not draw a lot of attention from their peers.

Visit this post for details on exactly how to use power cards as a strategy for behavior management in the classroom and download your free power card for Telling the Truth.

Dealing with profanity in the classroom

There is no magic bullet to get students to stop ANY learned behavior that is quick and easy including using profanity in the classroom. But his post has some step-by-step strategies and provides the support you likely need. You are not alone in dealing with this common behavior problem.

This post includes a free power card you can download on choosing the best word.

Choosing the best word power card as a strategy for behavior management

Strategies for behavior management at home

Picture schedule for home: An effective and easy tool for behavior management

Many kids with autism use a picture schedule at school, but how many use a picture schedule at home? It really is not that difficult to set up and can be really helpful in managing behaviors and building independence.

This is a great strategy for dealing with behaviors at home, and you can download this free set of schedule cards to get started today.

Strategies for behavior management at school and at home

How to solve this common behavior problem

Behaviors that arise from denied access are likely the most common behavior we see in the classroom and at home. There are 3 main strategies I use when I realize that a student is having a behavior because he/she wants access to something he/she currently does not have. The sooner you recognize this function and take steps to intervene and develop more appropriate responses the better.

You can download a free 15-page social story, “That’s not mine” at the end of this post. This social story worked really well for me in the classroom!!

Escape behavior interventions for school and home

Escape behavior is one of the most common behaviors we deal with in special education. Depending on the makeup of your classroom or household, this behavior can look very different, but the desired result is always the same: to NOT do what you are asking them to do. This post will give you ways to determine if the behavior is truly for escape, and a free list of interventions to try.

Being a Good Sport

This is probably one of my most popular blog posts. It has lots of good ideas for strategies for behavior management on and off the field. There is even a free social story on Being a Good Sport you can download.

Strategies for behavior management in the community

Community Trips & Challenging Behaviors Part 1

In order to have a successful outing in the community, there are several things to consider. Part 1 of this series focuses on getting to know the person. I am talking about REALLY getting to know the person. There are lots of things to consider, and I will explain why when you really know the person, you are more likely to have fewer problem behaviors in the community.

You can download a complete list of questions to use to REALLY get to know the person in this blog post.

Community Trips & Challenging Behaviors Part 2

This post is all about the BEHAVIOR. I know it can be an uncomfortable topic to focus on. No one likes to talk about the times we, or our loved ones, are at our worst. But, if we ask the right questions, it can truly help to diminish the likelihood we will have to deal with this potentially scary and dangerous situation in a crowded aisle in the middle of Wal-Mart.

You can download a complete list of questions to use to REALLY get to know the behavior in this blog post.

Safety in the community for the individual, you, and the public

The sad reality is that many of us deal with students and children or adults who have such extreme behaviors that they can actually be a danger to people they may come in contact with while in the community. Personally, I deal with this with my son, Jimmy, who is 24 and is a very big strong guy. I share the truth about what I have learned even though it was very uncomfortable. Ultimately, I want other teachers and parents to know they are not alone.

You can download a complete list of questions to use to decide if a location will be a safe alternative for you and your child or students.

I hope you find having all these posts here, in one location is helpful. Here is the condensed list of titles. Just click on any of them to head over, get some great tips, and download some free resources.