Are you looking for ways to get students to look on the bright side? If so, keep reading.

1. Always find opportunities to make positive remarks about the learner and school.

2. Teach the learner appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

3. Teach the learner to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening?” “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?”).

4. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for being more positive at school.

5. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., complaining, not taking part, reacting negatively, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., taking part, being enthusiastic, etc.).

6. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., making positive remarks) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

7. Praise the learner for being more positive based on the duration of time the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

8. Praise those students in the classroom who are positive in reacting to situations.

9. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

10. Teach the learner to respect others by respecting the learner.

11. Always treat the learner with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

12. Praise the learner for being more positive in reacting to situations (e.g., trying a task, making a positive comment about a learning experience, etc.): (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.)

13. Let the learner voice their opinion in a situation to avoid becoming angry or upset.

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

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

16. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.