#  >> K-12 >> K-12 For Educators

How to Instruct an Oppositional & Defiant Student

Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is characterized by disruptive behavior that's directed toward authority figures. Less severe than Conduct Disorder, ODD has been diagnosed in approximately 15 percent of children. Students with ODD easily lose their temper, blame others for mistakes and act out in an angry manner. When these behaviors are seen for more than six months, an evaluation is needed, followed by a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

Instructions

    • 1

      Pick your battles. There are often too many behaviors present with an ODD student to try and address them all. Select those behaviors which are most troublesome and address those.

    • 2

      Establish a rapport with the student. Achieve a level of trust by responding to her with an attitude fairness and an even temper.

    • 3

      Involve the student in the plan to modify the behavior. Making the effort collaborative eliminates any sense of persecution that she may have.

    • 4

      Set boundaries and stick to them. The consequences of rule-breaking must be enforced evenly and consistently.

    • 5

      Use clear and simple instructions to communicate assignments. Take extra time to review the instructions with the ODD student individually, if needed.

    • 6

      Give positive rewards to reinforce positive behaviors. Small tokens, such as stickers, fun activities or peer recognition, can be helpful in the classroom.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved