Every now and then we have an angry bird in our classroom showing emotional outbursts or severe temper tantrums, sometimes yelling and lashing out simultaneously. How can we as teachers help that little angry bird? You can have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve to nullify the situation.
Have an ineffective response. What does that mean? The tendency to jump in and fix the problem can make matters worse. In response to an angry, verbally abusive bird, here is what you should NEVER do.
• Impose consequences right away . You must hold the angry bird who acts out in anger accountable-without fail, but not right away. You risk escalating the problem if you immediately try to pull them aside or put them in time-out.
• Get Upset. Aggression on aggression is an inflammable mix. Never escalate your voice, scold, or attempt to use the power of your authority to stop emotionally charged angry birds.
• Touch the angry bird. It’s a common gesture of the teacher to place a hand on the angry bird’s shoulder in an attempt to calm him/her down. But you don't know what is going through the angry bird’s mind and what he or she is capable of. So, it's best to keep your distance.
• Talk to the angry bird. Angry birds are not open to conversations. Leave them alone for some time.
But what we CAN do is:
• Be Calm. Keep your emotions and the situation in control.
• Control. Stand firmly from where you can observe the angry bird and show the class you’re in control. But far enough to keep an eye on all of your students.
• Protect. Let not your other birds talk or involve themselves with the angry bird. Our first priority is to keep them safe, calm, and uninvolved.
• Nothing. Usually, it’s best not to say or do anything. If the angry bird stops the behavior, simply continue on with what you are doing - FOR NOW - allow the angry bird to cool off.
Reassurance words can be used to settle the angry bird. Say, “Take it easy ... I know you're frustrated...We’ll talk about it later...”
After the angry bird is calm, explain briefly the situation, and what he or she are held accountable for; provide a stiff consequence.
Document everything that you observed as soon as possible. Interview the students who were near or involved in the incident. Make a copy for yourself.
Contact their parents or guardian about the misbehavior. Just give the facts. You do your job and let the parents do theirs.
Only if the behavior is physically aggressive involve the principal. Involving administration weakens your authority and your ability to manage your classroom.
Take your time. Waiting and observing allows you to accurately assess the behavior, keeps you from losing your cool, and absolutely puts you as a leader in control of the classroom.
Written by: Alwina Kindo
Alwina teaches at New Orleans Adventist Academy.
