Blame the Unicorn

At-risk students can be some of the most difficult and challenging students to work with. They often exhibit very disruptive behavior, and many times these students do not respond well to authority. The largest battle intervention teachers will face is discipline. I have had a great deal of success with the following policy: ENVIRONMENT This is one of the first things I consider when students are not acting appropriately. I ask myself these questions: 1.        Is the classroom overly stimulating? 2.        Are my lessons relevant and engaging? 3.        Is this a good seating arrangement? 4.        Can the students do the work? 5.        Is the work appropriate? POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT This is the foundation of my classroom management. I seek out opportunities to provide significant amounts...

All of my students are labeled "at risk," meaning they have some characteristic that makes them more likely to drop out of school. Working with these kids is my passion, as is guiding them through compassion and understanding. Though some of their behaviors may be difficult, I know that the behaviors are just their way of communicating something their adolescence can't express. Here are 15 strategies I have found effective with students who are "difficult." 1.  Praise often. All the time. With over-the top, ridiculous compliments. Your student completed half an assignment after several 0's? Compliment them! He worked quietly for twenty minutes longer than usual? Compliment! She spoke in class for the first time? Compliment! Compliment exuberantly. Embarrass yourself with your excessive amounts of praise. 2.  Never allow students to see your anger.  And by "never," I mean  NEVER! Some students will be looking to make you angry. Some know ...