Case
Kindergarten meltdowns

In my kindergarten class I have one student who continually cries every time he is reprimanded even if he is not in trouble. This student erupts in tears and yelling when upset and distracts the entire class for their work. If he is pushed too far he will become aggressive, hitting walls and trowing small objects close to him. This behavior is a danger to the student and others in my class How should I approach this student is terms of behavior?

Solution #1
When this student begins to cry the students needs simple reassurance that they are O.k. and then move on with the lesson. As soon as the student is doing good let this student know how well they are doing. The student may also need a visual schedule to help them know what to expect during the day. Also try to determine when the crying begins, early morning, during activities, transition times. Then prepare the students by giving a quick idea of what is going to happen next.

This is an great solution! i will definitely use this in my classroom.

Right. Be reassuring and motivating.

Solution #2
A good way to try to control the behavior is a behavior chart on his desk. As the student completes work and listens put a smiley face on h chart. When behavior is not good a sad face. At the end of the day he can earn accumulated points for center time or computer time. This will help reinforce his behavior and help him understand what is appropriate and not appropriate.
Solution #3
I would reassure the students that you are not mad at them, just disappointed with the behavior. I would lower their concern by telling them that if they fix the behavior they will get stickers (or something they enjoy), and as the behavior gets better I would have the rewards harder to receive. If that does not work I would have the student do jobs around the classroom or give the student breaks to cool down. In the worst case, and the above does not work, I would call the students parents and talk to be behavioral specialist about possible solutions to this problem.
Solution #4
Try to figure out the reason for the student's crying. First determine the student is not physically hurt and then keep teaching. Create a log to find out what happens right before the crying. Is the child seeking attention? Is the students trying to avoid a subject? Once the teacher determines the antecedent he or she can then avoid the antecedent and concentrate on the students positive behavior and praise him or her when it happens.

This is a great solution to a tough problem.

Solution #5
I would schedule a conference with the parents to discuss techniques with them that will help the child manage his emotions and to ensure that there is continuity and consistency between home and school.

Right. Let the parents know about this problem.

Solution #6
Sometimes just acknowledging the situation and not over reacting to the situation will change the students behavior. Let the student have their tantrum and when they are done let them know that you cant help them when they are acting out like that. We have to learn to use our words. If he poses a threat to other students, put him in area where he is isolated. It is possible, that the student behaves this way at home and the parents allow it or give in to this behavior but we have to teach them this is not the way to handle problems. Instruct other students to ignore the behavior.
Solution #7
I would call the parents and ask to have a meeting with them and discuss the situation. I will ask if they see this behavior at home and what they do or suggest. If they are unsure themselves of what to do then i will ask that they come up with a plan with me and that they implement that same plan at home.

The parents must be involved with his behavior plan and find if there has been trouble with his behavior at home. The student is endangering other students welfare so there should be a behavior specialist involved with students outburst.

I think you are being a bit extreme; you make the kid sound like a threat.

Solution #8
You can create a lesson that uses role playing to handle different situations. Your lesson can teach the students appropriate ways to respond to scenarios. You can include scenarios about how to respond to corrections, bullying and other uncomfortable situations. The students are very young and do not know how to react to these situations.
Solution #9
I would try implementing an individual behavior management plan for this student. This is a great way to monitor his behavior throughout the day. He should be given some incentives for positive behavior, and made aware of the consequences for any poor choices and behavior.
Solution #10
Some children just shut down with negative reinforcement no matter what was done. for students like this try focusing on positive reinforcement when he is on task and behaving as expected let him know you are proud of him for doing a good job. Another reason that might trigger him is embarrassment, if you need to confront him on his behavior and it is not a distraction at the time wait until you can talk to him privately. During confrontation try not to come off as authoritative instead of telling what he shouldn't be doing and what he did wrong, remind him what he should be doing, and explain the behavior you like to see from him. for example instead of saying "Don't do that" or "I don't like it when you interupt" say "we are doing..." or "I like it when you listen".
Solution #11
I would create a way to chart his progress. I would also have a system that when he is corrected and takes it well he gets and a sticker and stickers get him to the treasure box
Solution #12
I would start out with a behavioral plan and implement a chart with him. I would also get him to start using pecs for when he is beginning to feel upset or overwhelmed and he is able to use the pecs to tell you how he feels instead of the outburst. I would ask for advice from your schools behavioral specialist and see what she can do to help you in the classroom.
Solution #13
I would be very reassuring to the student. Ask them if they are okay, tell them that they are hurting you ears. Be very direct and nurturing.
Solution #14
If the student could possibly hurt themselves or another student, you should always call for assistance or evacuate your classroom. This kind of behavior should never be tolerated.
Solution #15
If the student is becoming aggressive and could you or another student then I would talk to administration in order to set up a conference with the principal, vice principal or behavior specialist and the parents. This issue needs to be handled right away to make sure this student learns that this behavior is not okay.
Solution #16
Reprimands can be especially difficult for young children with anxiety. Continue to be reassuring and make arrangements for the student to be able to "take a break" when he needs to calm down. Keep documentation of the incidents and try to determine triggers and/or patterns. If the behavior persists or worsens, conference with parents to problem-solve.
Solution #17
Have a behavior chart for the student where you encourage a day of no tears. Give some sort of reward for improved behavior
Solution #18
This student needs love and lots of it. Let this student know you care about them and they are not in trouble. Possibly change the way you discipline him or her and definitely the tone of voice you use with this student can be crucial.

That's true, the student may be sensitive and need care.

Solution #19
You should seek help of the schools behavioral specialist. Make sure to document each outbreak for further references.

I agree there may be many strategies the teacher can try on her own but the student becomes violent and poses risk for other students. The need to have a specialist and documentation is to ensure student gets the help he needs.