How I Respond to Escalating Behaviors

For more information, or to book Polly Bath for your school, district, collaborative, or professional organization:
Call Cristia Lesher Associates LLC at 603-632-5834.

Polly Bath is a much-loved consultant, trainer, and keynote speaker. She helps schools dramatically reduce behavior problems, increase student SEL skills, and build strong school cultures supportive of all learners. Her strategies include strengthening teacher behavior and SEL toolboxes; building strong behavior Tiers 1, 2, 3; and building school-wide systemic approaches to behavior and SEL.

[henryskalitz]

I would like to apologise for formerly being a kid with the chair.

[sicpuppy]

I have been a prison officer for over 17 years and it gets way worse when they become adults.

[marisainfelise]

As a special education teacher, my training supported my mindset with students with escalating behavior. Technically, the student sat down in the chair. I would have quietly went up next to them and said "thank you for following my directions" for some positive reinforcement and for them to recognize they actually did follow my directions. It's allowed me to be more empathic, "pick my battles" for lack of a better words, and build better rapport with my kiddos to further support them.

[alexcenteno]

I just started my job as a paraprofessional and this is the first job where I've ever had to work with children. I had my first dose of a student with very disruptive behavior and when I took him to ISI I will admit, I let the behavior get under my skin. Watching your video gave me a new direction for immediate action next time this occurs, I really appreciate it

[larrychuanico]

It's good to hear from you. Thanks for the heads up on how not to escalate.

The more we answer. The more pissed they get. This is why teachers are good. Teachers have been My heroes since I was a child

[Dylvente]

I love these longer segments, especially this time with a visual demonstration. Very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[sergiougalde]

I'm at my wits end, I work with teenager students that are not only violent but lack manners and education. 90% of them have absolutely no interest in learning anything, they go to school only to get money from the goverment. They won't keep quiet, pay attention or even get into the classroom. Just a few days ago, a teacher was hit with a hammer multiple times in the head just because the student wasn't happy with his F- grade. Sometimes I regret being a teacher.

[karenwilson]

I'm an early childcare educator & I'm always looking for info regarding what to do/say when a child escalates. However, trying to de-escalate is also part of my job description. I'm always looking for stuff & strategies for that too. I believe that children & adults should encounter the consequences of their words & actions because if they don't get the consequences until much later it can be a severe reality check as well as not having the resilience to cope. Thankyou

[elliebellie]

Honestly, if the kid sat down in a chair, anywhere in the room, I would consider that a victory. It's the vulgar language, the sass, the talking back, the challenging words (what are you going to do if I don't do what you say, hit me?), being ignored completely, kids coming and going from the classroom - just get up and walk out or come in five minutes before the bell, and much worse.

[shomonalofton]

Great video, I am big on discipline, restorative practices and as a in school suspension instructor I look for new ideas to bring to my room and support teachers. Many times we put up a fight and that's giving them the full they need to burn. I have learned as a previous preschool teacher that this works. Timing is everything!!! This was awesome. Thank you!!

[TheBonyLevi]

Thank you for the honesty. I am surrounded by toxic positivity.

[kirstydodsworth]

This video has been so inspiring, this is a mirror image of what I experience in my school setting. This has helped me to have a better understanding in de escalation and preventive strategies to use. Thank you,

[remb]

You confirmed some of the things that I did in my classroom and also I learned so many things from you...
Thank you so much

[mimi]

I'm going to use this with adults as well. This video is so valuable.

[missdonna]

One thing I learned never to do is make threats you won’t or can’t follow through with. The kids WILL call your bluff at some point or another

[missdonna]

I feel it! I really used to get into it with kids. Until I figured out it isn’t worth it anymore and it isn’t helping anyone to scoop to their level and bicker. Then eat up the entire class time fighting with one student and copycats.


You have given really good advice. Both as a school bus driver and substitute teacher. We aren’t given all the training and tools that teachers are, so we have to learn along the way

[liaduplechain]

Thank you for explaining the tips step by step. I've heard of these, but not in detail.

[really]

In Japan, all students are required to clean the interior and exterior of the school. There are few janitors on staff. Further, when students begin their education, they are put in a small group of five or six called a han. They learn to work cooperatively from a young age. If there is any antisocial behavior on the part of a student, the entire han is punished. The han will then address that antisocial behavior after school.

[RollandElliott-tz]

Thanks I'm teaching 5th math for 14 days. I really needed this lesson as I'm struggling with a few students not listening.

[shelbyanne]

Thank you! This video in particular was really helpful, and was also part of my ECE course. I love the way you explain things to us.