How to Deal with Upset Students

Summary

The video offers strategies for teachers to handle students who become upset or aggressive in class. Key tips include staying calm, using de-escalation techniques, prioritizing safety, and avoiding confrontational responses. Teachers are encouraged to model appropriate behavior, use active listening, and offer choices to help students regain control. Additionally, involving support staff, documenting incidents, and communicating with parents are emphasized as important steps. Emotional regulation skills and maintaining a safe, respectful learning environment are prioritized, with tailored strategies to address individual student needs.

Takeaways

• 😌 Stay calm and neutral when dealing with an upset or aggressive student; do not mirror their emotions.
• 🛡️ Prioritize safety for all students in the classroom, especially during physically aggressive situations.
• 🗣️ Use verbal de-escalation techniques, such as calm and empathetic tones, and avoid raising your voice.
• 👁️ Make good eye contact without being confrontational, and actively listen to acknowledge the student's feelings.
• 🚪 Offer choices to empower the student, like taking a break or working on a different task, helping them regain control.
• ⏳ Allow the student time to cool down; avoid pressuring them to talk or make decisions immediately.
• 🙋‍♂️ Involve support staff, like counselors or behavior specialists, for additional help when necessary.
• 📝 Maintain boundaries by consistently applying classroom rules and consequences for aggressive behavior.
• 🤝 Offer emotional support by showing empathy without necessarily agreeing with their behavior.
• 📋 Document incidents thoroughly to track behavior patterns and progress, which can help in future interventions.

Q & A

What is the first step a teacher should take when a student becomes upset or aggressive in class?

The first step is to remain calm and de-escalate the situation by modeling the behavior you want to see. Avoid becoming confrontational or raising your voice.

Why is it important for teachers to stay calm when a student is emotional?

Staying calm helps prevent escalating the situation. If teachers become angry, it can intensify the student's emotions, while a calm demeanor can help diffuse tension.

How should teachers prioritize safety when a student becomes physically aggressive?

Teachers should ensure the safety of all students by staying calm and asking other students or staff to help if necessary. It's important not to physically intervene unless absolutely necessary, especially if it could lead to harm.

What are effective verbal de-escalation techniques mentioned in the script?

Effective techniques include speaking in a calm and empathetic tone, maintaining non-aggressive eye contact, and using active listening to acknowledge the student's feelings.

How can a teacher avoid giving a disruptive student a platform for argument in class?

Teachers can offer to discuss the issue after class or during break, instead of engaging in an argument in front of the class, which could encourage the student to seek attention.

What should teachers do if a student requests to leave the classroom during a conflict?

Teachers can offer controlled choices, such as allowing the student to sit next to them or take a short break, but should avoid letting the student leave freely unless necessary.

How can teachers maintain boundaries while being empathetic to students' emotional challenges?

Teachers should be firm but fair, consistently applying classroom rules, while showing understanding for students' emotions without agreeing with disruptive behaviors.

Why is it important to document incidents of aggressive or disruptive behavior in the classroom?

Documenting incidents provides a record that can help track patterns, assess progress, and protect both the student and the teacher in case further action is needed.

What role can support staff play in managing emotionally upset students?

Support staff like school counselors, social workers, or behavior specialists can offer additional strategies and guidance for handling students' emotional challenges.

How can teachers help students develop emotional regulation skills in the classroom?

Teachers can incorporate lessons on emotional regulation and coping strategies into the curriculum, use role-playing, and involve students in behavior plans to teach them how to manage their emotions.