Page 33 - Coping With Students Challenging Behaviour

13. DISTRACTION
In the case of some children, diversion or distraction of current activity helps to stop challenging behaviour. For example: walking, reading a favourite (familiar) book, listening to calming music, looking outside or other interesting and calming activities.
14. IGNORING
Depending on the situation, ignoring may also stop challenging behaviour. Any attention (talking to child) is paying attention and often challenging behaviour is aimed to attract attention. In that case don’t talk to the child, don’t comment on his behaviour and don´t look into his eyes. If possible keep the distance.
15. UNPREDICTABLE RESPONSE
Depending on the situation, unpredictable behaviour (which is out of the context) from adult can end a child’s challenging behaviour. This can be a distraction but also a surprising course of events. Some examples during child’s challenging behaviour:
∗ take their sock of (if he kick you with his foot)
∗ rapid clap
∗ whispering or starting to talk something in very inspiring way
∗ mindless sentence
∗ intervention by a out of context person (another teacher)
MANUAL FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS AND OTHER SPECIALISTS TO PREVENT
AND COPE WITH CHILDREN’S CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR 33