Students should understand that conflict can be positive, but it is their responsibility to ensure that this can happen. They should learn that conflict does not have to center around harming another person, and that constructive conflict can resolve differences and allow both sides to express their side of a disagreement. Teach students positive methods for resolving conflict situations that are not centered around inflicting harm but on facilitating understanding. Show them how to use their words to express their feelings and opinions as an alternative to their aggression.
Encourage students with anger problems to expand their vocabularies and learn new ways of expressing feelings, frustrations and anger. Teach them the power of carefully selected words and how to use them in a positive way. Listen to them when they tell you that something is wrong and show them that they can trust adults around them to take them seriously. Guide them into realizing that physical violence or emotional aggression are not the only alternatives to feelings of frustration. The right words can inspire healthy communication and understanding.
Students should be able to describe their feelings in a clear and effective manner. This includes not only the knowledge of words and how to use them, but also the ability to evaluate their own emotions and determine the best method for expressing them. Encourage students to practice describing their emotions to you, and other adults in their life, while they are calm, before they feel their anger levels rising. The ability to relate their emotions while they are calm is key to helping them avoid the frustrations that provoke a rise in anger.
A student with an anger control problem should be familiar with physical alternatives to physical conflict as methods for reducing feelings of anger and regaining rationale. Physical activities may include playing sports, running until students feel calm or a more creative activity, such as writing about what they are feeling. Students should be able to identify when they are feeling angry and seek these alternatives as a last resort before moving from anger to aggression.