How to Provide Structure in the Classroom for Oppositional, Defiant Children

Effectively teaching kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder [ODD] can be a very exhausting endeavor – if you don’t know how, that is.

Teaching Rule #1: ODD Kids Need Rules

When designing your classroom rules, keep in mind that your rules must be:

• Enforceable

• Comprehensive

• Clear

And then comes the most important part... you must be consistent in enforcing them all the time, with every child, using predictable and delineated consequences.

Some educators suggest writing the class rules with your ODD children, using their input to create "buy-in" and cooperation. Consider the benefits, though, of strong, educator-determined rules that are not viewed as negotiable by the people who must follow them. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding which method to employ.

State your rules in the positive (no "don'ts") and expect the best from your ODD children. They will rise to the high expectations you set starting from the first minute of the first day of the school year.

Classroom Rules—

1. Come to class prepared.

2. Do your best.

3. Everyone deserves respect.

4. Have a winning attitude.

5. Have fun and learn!

Variations—

Some educators like to be more specific in their rules, such as "Hands must be kept to yourself at all times." The most important thing is to spend time before the school year starts determining which rules fit your voice, personality, and objectives.

How to Create Behavior Contracts for ODD Children—

Your most difficult students require creative discipline solutions. You know the kids I'm talking about. Every educator has at least one difficult child in her class, a youngster who needs extra structure and incentive to change bad behavior habits. These aren't bad kids, just kids who need a little extra support, structure, and discipline.

Behavior contracts can help you mold the behavior of these ODD children so that they no longer disrupt learning in your classroom. Thus, you can, slowly but surely, take control and see concrete improvement fast.

What Is A Behavior Contract?

A behavior contract is an agreement between the educator, child, and the child's parents that sets limits for child behavior, rewards good choices, and outlines consequences for bad choices. This type of program sends a clear message to the youngster that "This behavior cannot continue. Here is what we need to see from you and here is what you will see in response to your choices in the classroom."

Step 1 - Customize the Contract—

First, make a plan for change. Use the Behavior Contract form below as a guide for the meeting you will soon have with the child and his/her parents. Tailor the form to your particular situation, taking into consideration the personality and preferences of the youngster you are helping.

Step 2 - Set Up a Meeting—

Next, hold a meeting with the involved parties. Perhaps your school has an assistant principal in charge of discipline; if so, invite this person, too. The child and his/her parents should attend as well.

Focus on 1-2 particular behaviors that you would like to see change. Don't try to change everything at once. Take baby steps toward major improvement so that it feels more "do-able" to the youngster. Also, the moms and dads will feel less defensive towards you if you make it seem like there's only a little "fine-tuning" to be done. Make it clear that you called this meeting because you care about this youngster and want to see him/her improve in school this year. Emphasize that the parent, child, and educator are all part of the same team. Convey that "I can't do it without you. We're all in this together."

Step 3 - Communicate the Consequences—

Define the tracking method to be used on a daily basis for monitoring child behavior. Describe the rewards and consequences that correlate with behavior choices. Be very specific and clear in this area. Use quantitative numbers wherever possible. Involve the moms and dads in providing the rewards and consequences, taking much of the pressure of enforcement out of your hands. Constant school-to-home communication will go a long way towards significant progress with this youngster. Make sure that the chosen consequences are truly important to this particular youngster; you can even ask the youngster for input which will make him/her buy into the process even further. Have all involved parties sign the agreement and end the meeting on a positive note.

Step 4 - Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting—

Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed. The follow-up meeting should be in 2-6 weeks, depending upon your assessment of the situation. Let the youngster know that the group will be meeting again soon to discuss progress.

Step 5 - Be Consistent In the Classroom—

In the meantime, be very consistent with this youngster in the classroom. Stick to the wording of the behavior contract agreement to a "t." When the youngster makes good behavior choices – heap sincere praise upon him/her. When the youngster makes not so good choices, do not be apologetic; if needed, pull out the contract and review the terms that were agreed upon. Emphasize the positives that come along with good behavior choices and help the youngster to get used to new habits of good behavior.

Step 6 - Be Patient and Trust the Plan—

Most of all, be patient. Do not give up on this youngster. While you may feel like pulling your hair out right now, as you see the youngster grow and develop, you may find this relationship to be one of the most rewarding of your teaching career. Such kids often need extra love and positive attention, so don't let your frustrations get the best of you.

You might be surprised at the huge feeling of relief that all involved parties feel just by having an agreed-upon plan. Now that you all know how to proceed, a happy ending is in sight. Use your educator's intuition to start yourself on a more peaceful and productive path with this youngster.

Sample Behavior Contract for Improving a Difficult Student's Behavior—

Some ODD children require additional structure and support. Here’s a sample contract to get you started:

Student Name: ________________________

Date: _________________________

Room: _________________________

[Student name] will demonstrate good behaviors each day at school.

[Student name] is expected to follow the educator's directions the first time she asks him to do something. He/she is expected to do so promptly and with a good attitude. Each time that [Student name] does not meet these expectations, he/she will receive a tally mark for the day on the tracking sheet. These tally marks will determine the rewards and consequences that [Student name] receives, as shown below.

• Zero tallies in one day = A chance to roll the die after school for one of the rewards listed below

• One tally in one day = Does not get a chance to roll the die that day

• Two or more tallies in one day = Loss of recess the next day and/or other consequences as determined by Mrs. Smith

Number rolled on a die:

1 = One table point for his table

2 = One raffle ticket for monthly class drawing

3 = One piece of candy

4 = Gets to be first in line for the next school day

5 = Gets to help educator after school that afternoon

6 = Five marbles for the class marble jar

We agree to the terms of this behavior contract as set forth above.

___________________

[Educator Signature]

___________________

[Parent Signature]

___________________

[Student Signature]

==> My Out-of-Control Child: Parenting/Teaching Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder

* ODD Support Group for Parents and Teachers

Dealing with Angry Teenage Students

I will never forget one of the angriest teenagers I ever met. I will call her Kayla. Kayla was one of those teenagers that could be set off at any moment. When she was set off, look out. EXPLOSION!!! You might hear any curse word in the book (some I didn't know at the time), you might see things kicked or thrown, and when finished she would probably storm out the room in a violent rage. Kayla was in my class during my first year as a 10th grade teacher. When it came to angry teens, all I knew was what I was taught in college, which wasn't much.

Here is a list of things I have learned since that time that may be beneficial to someone else:

1. Learn to increase your effectiveness with such teens. Don't make mistakes like, returning the student’s anger, avoiding the teen, being inconsistent or attempting to reason with an out-of-control teen. You must learn to remain calm and not allow the teen to get to you. Learn to empathize with the teen. This does not mean you have to give in but that you relate to the teen. Have a structured classroom. And perhaps most importantly, have a behavior management plan which has a set of consequences and rewards. And even more important than that, be consistent with them.

2. Recognize ODD and its symptoms. ODD [Oppositional Defiant Disorder] is a pattern of hostile, violent and disruptive behavior which is very clearly outside the normal range of behavior for a child of the same age and culture. Symptoms of ODD include being easily annoyed or irritated, changes from contented mood to angry mood in seconds, outbursts during class, blaming others for own mistakes and a teen who persistently insists on having their way. The causes of ODD are numerous and include neurological causes and chemical imbalances in the brain. When dealing with a teen that has ODD it is important not to react strongly and emotionally. Try not to let the teen know what gets to you. You must remain relaxed and cool while the teen is trying to push you over the edge.

3. Understand ADD and the impacts of medication. ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder is very common among young people. This is a mental illness that impairs a teen’s ability to stay focused. Symptoms of ADD will include difficulty listening and following directions, being easily distracted, inconsistent school performance and difficulty working independently. Like ODD, ADD can only be diagnosed by a doctor. Medication will often be prescribed, usually Ritalin or Adderall, and it is important to watch for certain problems. Teens should be started at a low dose and monitored carefully. If the parent neglects this responsibility, the effects will be noticeable.

Dealing with angry teens can be quite a challenge. But being educated on symptoms of various disorders, and creating an environment that is structured, can help you to have success with them.

==> My Out-of-Control Child: Parenting/Teaching Children and Teens with ODD

* ODD Support Group for Parents and Teachers