Are you looking for strategies to help students whose behavior is unpredictable? If so, keep reading.

1. Minimize stimuli that would contribute to unrelated or unacceptable behavior(e.g., testing situations, peers, physical learning activities, etc.).

2. Alter or adjust situations that cause the learner to demonstrate unrelated or unacceptable behavior(e.g., keep the learner from becoming overstimulated in learning activities ).

3. Make the appropriate adjustments in their surroundings to prevent the learner from experiencing stress, frustration, anger, etc., as much as possible.

4. Minimize distracting stimuli(e.g., place the learner in the front row, give a table or quiet space away from distractions, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

5. Attempt several groupings to ascertain the situation in which the learner shows appropriate behavior.

6. Embody socially acceptable behavior for the learner (e.g., pat on the back, handshake, etc.).

7. Make sure that reinforcement is not provided for unacceptable remarks or behaviors.

8. Stop the learner from becoming overstimulated by a learning experience(i.e., monitor or supervise learner behavior to limit overstimulation in physical learning activities, games, parties, etc.).

9. Select a peer to work with the learner to model appropriate behavior.

10. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure may result in unpredictable behavior.

11. Make the learner aware of learning activities well in advance so they may prepare for them.

12. Talk with other professionals about your concerns to ascertain if further investigation is warranted (e.g., abuse or neglect).

13. Explain that some concerns or worries are not unusual for students (e.g., everyone worries about tests, grades, etc.).

14. Give the learner chances for social and academic success.

15. Separate the learner from the peer(s) who may be encouraging or stimulating the unacceptable behavior.

16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.