Don't dance the dance

It’s easy to get into a negative pattern with students who are difficult. They engage in an inappropriate behavior, and it’s easy to react to that behavior. This sets up a cycle in which they react some more, and soon the whole thing can escalate. It works better to think ahead of a new attitude and action you can take when the child engages in inappropriate behavior. Stop “dancing the dance.” Instead, have “new steps” you use. You will often find that when you stop reacting in the same way, the child will stop too.

One thing I have found to be extremely effective over the years working with students that are more hard-to-handle, is to always remain calm. When children see they can “get your goat,” they will engage more and more in inappropriate behavior.

Have a great day and a wonderful week, and remember, you are a difference maker. Every time you make a difference in the life of a child, be sure to go to our web site at www.atiseminars.org and add a LoveLink.

Maryln