Behavior modification

I am a fifth grade teacher and I am looking for help in developing some individual behavior plansforthree children in my room.One child in particular has many difficulties interacting with the otherchildren in a positive manner.He often uses inappropriate language and can act out physically. Hefrequently shouts out things in class and is inconsiderate to others.He has problems where everhegoes and has been suspended for smoking on the playground.He is a nice child one on one, andwillrespond passively when spoken to.He just can't seem to actually behave the way he tells you hewill. Any help would be appreciated.I would like to try and help this child and desperately need todevelopa plan.

Thank You

Jnean

I appreciate your attitude and desire to help the kids in your class who are having difficulty.Ibelievethe best way to help all students, including discouraged students (a misbehaving child is adiscouragedchild) is through class meetings.Our book Positive Discipline in the Classroom gives details on howto teach students the Eight Building Blocks for Effective Class Meetings.In the class meetingprocessstudents learn to help each other and to look for non-punitive solutions to problems.Studentslearn togive and receive compliments.They learn many of the important life skills that will serve themwell inall areas of their adult lives (marriage, work, friendships) as well as helping them feel encouragedthrough the process of experiencing a sense of belonging and significance.Many teachers havetoldme that one of their favorite fringe benefits from class meetings (besides the fringe benefit ofeliminating most discipline problems) is the improvement they see in "problem" students.I wouldlove to see you at one of our two-day workshops on Positive Discipline in the Classroom.Also, watch for Positive Discipline: A Teacher's A-Z Guide where we discuss 102 specific problem situations in detail.You might also enjoy reading the article on "School Code" for an example from the book and class meetings.

Best wishes,

Jane Nelsen