7 Tips to Deal with Defiant Students

Behavioral Script Free Download:

Do you have students with challenging behaviors? Are they defiant or argumentative? Sometimes in the heat of the moment it's hard to know what the right way to respond is, and it can lead to many teachers feeling helpless. Today we chat over some tips to deal with students like that and help you understand the psychology of what is going on in their mind.

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[MrsCrissCross]

We are encountering more and more students who don’t respond when these techniques are used. They seemingly go from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds - destroying classrooms, hurting peers and teachers and causing classrooms to evacuate. I’d love for you to speak to this.

[bobbiebsweet]

Praise in public reprimand/“talk it out in private” YES
Thank You
“They are human too”
nailed it yup!! Their feeling are as big as adults too. 👍🏻

[EugeneAxe]

"They will not change overnight."
The exact reason subbing can be hell.

[carried]

I'm not an educator, but working closely with my sons school district. I'm going to take these tips and apply at home. Thank you for educating and helping so many out there that face these situations daily!

[bugokcho]

I've been working with kids for almost 10 years now and humor is such a good tip~ Even just today I told my students we had to practice writing today, and that led to a unanimous to which I responded "Mmm~ music to my ears. That's my favorite kinda song." This brought on laughter and immediately lightened the mood as they took out their notebooks :) Also, I almost never yell at my students. The only time I ever have is if someone is in immediate danger and I need everyones attention. Otherwise, it's more of an actual talk reminding them what I expect, and also reminding them I've seen them meet my expectations, so I know that they can do it. Positive reinforcement is also a great motivator. Often times I won't say anything to students who need redirection and instead reward those who are following directions with big praises and thank yous, or sometimes prize box, candy, stamp, sticker, etc.
Last tip: have the students who struggle to focus your helpers for the activity you're doing :)

[juliesloan]

I love using humor with my students, it quite often deescalates the situation.

[christieschnabel]

I'm a behavior interventionist in my district. I can't wait to share your videos with my staff. Thank you so much!

[sophiemaniachi]

Great tips! I have taught for 6 years. (Grades 1st, 4th, & 7th)
I have noticed that power struggles are the worst with 1st and 7th.
Excited to see your future videos ☺️

[solangegarson]

It's hard..but to be calm is very important..I learned a lot by working with children as an Education Assistant..

[alviabanzato]

You have some excellent ideas. I see a child once a week who is really defiant and is diagnosed autistic. His behaviour is often displayed in very bad choices such as biting and spitting. As he has an aide I don't have too much to deal with, however the aide goes through a lot. I'm in Australia and I have enjoyed your videos. Well done.

[erintannehill]

I love your tips about the power struggle. Definitely going to use them as I am really struggling with a few defiant students on my school bus. I really appreciate your tips for dealing with these situations. Thank you!

[xavierlamorengman]

I am a teacher from a tiny island in the Western Pacific Ocean region. I really like your video on classroom managements. I had noticed some of the methods work in your setting and some don't in our setting. I think maybe because of cultural differences. I usually teach grade 7 or 8. For example, the students feel downed when they are praised. So praisings embarrased students. The common misbehaviors in our setting are talking, sleeping, very loud yawn, lateness, and absences.

[alexandrosboukis]

Thank you. I'm listening to this whenever
I take rude behavior personally! "I noticed you XYZ, so is it safe to assume x?" Kids either avoid or want something. It's ok to acknowledge and come back. Awesome

[lagosmith]

This is a beautiful resource for anyone interacting with a child behaving in a challenging way!

[KH-hsxh]

Great tips - thanks from a Danish teacher 🙏

[MichaelCarter-fphk]

the biggest issues for me are task avoidance by eloping, name calling among peers that often leads to verbal altercations.

[TheForever]

Second year 1st grade teacher here! Thank you for these new videos! Sooo helpful!

[stevenhoch]

My son was having a meltdown in a store. I asked him if he heard anyone else screaming. It worked on a behavioral level where we did not have time for a psychodrama session. But helping a kid build a superego in the Freudian sense is beneficial to them. Having other people standing around would have changed the dynamic and the outcome, so don't know if that would be always useful in a classroom.


So much of what you're talking about comes with acquiring skill and knowing which tool to use for the good of all involved in the moment.

[piradixon]

What about when there are multiple defiant children in your class?

[andreapatane]

Your tips for defiant students rock big time.