Focus on creating a successful environment which will help to avoid undesirable behaviors to begin with. Identify clear triggers for specific behaviors. Do your best to see that the triggers are avoided so the child can reach success faster.
Build a trusting relationship with the student. Informally talk with him about his interests as well as his life in and out of school. Let the child know that you want him to be successful.
Set up a quiet area for the student to access when she needs a break to avoid overreacting to a situation.
Give the child simple directions and choices for appropriate actions. Providing up to three choices lets the student have some control over his options.
State consequences clearly and calmly to the student so he understands what will happen with the behavior he chooses.
Listen to the child before responding to a situation. Give her the opportunity to express her thoughts and feelings.
Enforce consequences for inappropriate behavior consistently. This may be difficult when first implementing specific consequences. Behaviors will begin to diminish eventually if you remain consistent in your actions.
Avoid power struggles with the student and pick your battles. When the student is struggling with a variety of harmful behaviors at one time, do your best to choose which behavior to provide consequences for instead of drawing attention to each negative action. Acknowledging each behavior will only escalate the situation.
Praise the child often for any type of appropriate behavior. Clearly explain the behavior that you are praising and why you want to see more of that specific behavior.
Seek support from other adults when teaching students with ODD to avoid burnout. Do not be afraid to take a break or walk away from the situation if you are frustrated. If the child knows you are frustrated she may only keep trying to anger you. Do not take the child's actions personally.