Case
Angry Student

Hello, I have a student in my class who has trouble regulating emotions. They are super friendly and sweet to classmates, but when their buttons are pushed even slightly, they turn angry and start punching, kicking the wall, or even beginning to hit other students. I have tried helping them practice breathing techniques and also gave him a quiet, safe space for them to settle down. I am running out of options. What suggestions do you have?

Solution #1
Maybe you could create a behavior contract with that student to encourage the student to replace the aggression with a more appropriate behavior and establish a reward they can earn if they behave appropriately for a given time period. Another strategy you could try to help their anger is to teach them to say certain affirmations to calm down, such as "I can feel my anger and still stay in control.", "I will get through this.", and "I am strong. I won't let this get to me".
Solution #2
When dealing with students who are having difficulty controlling their emotions or impulses, it is important to use different strategies for them. It is important to encourage the use of coping skills, teach emotional awareness, use positive reinforcement, work with the person's support system, and seek professional help if necessary. Remember to stay patient, consistent, and supportive throughout the process. One example of emotional awareness is to include a feelings chart. The student everyday can go up to the chart and mark what emotions they are feeling in the moment. THis will help guide the teachers' instruction and approach of the student during the day. This will also make the student feel validated and safe because they are able to have these emotions but learn how to control them.
Solution #3
I would possibly try reaching out to the parents and behavioral specialist. There is obviously something deeper that they are struggling with and parents and behavioral specialists are a great start. If they are a threat to other students, there needs to be a serious intervention.
Solution #4
I think reaching out to the parent or administration could be useful to find resources that are available. You could also do whole class exercises to teach everyone about coping and calming skills so that the student doesn't feel like he is being called out.
Solution #5
I would give the student classroom responsibilities or jobs so they can transform their negative energy towards a positive movement. For example, you could allow him to transition the students from their desks to the door when you are getting ready to leave the classroom. When students feel like they have any type of control, they will feel powerful but in a positive way and that will distract them and help them calm down.
Solution #6
Hello, maybe the student needs to discuss how they are feeling in that moment and needs to be taken out of the class for a moment just to walk it off. The teacher could contact the behavior team, and they can come in an take the student for a quick walk to cool off. The student will be able to allows communicate with a new face and talk about how they are feeling, the student might not had time to communicate with you before he went after the other student.
Solution #7
It is important that students like this learn of multiple coping strategies to help respond to their emotions appropriately. Try teaching them these strategies and their importance. Do not refrain from rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior fairly, especially if the student does not try.
Solution #8
Reaching out to the parents or guardians and the school psychology would be a beneficial route to take for this student. The issues seem beyond just the classroom management wheelhouse. Helping the creation and implementation of a plan for the student to follow to control their emotions would be good to help manage within the class.
Solution #9
Talk with the behavior specialist at your school. They should have tips and advice on how to help these behaviors, if a calm down corner isn’t helping.
Solution #10
Speak to their parents about this in a parent teacher meeting. Let an administrator know you suspect home life issues.
Solution #11
You could pull them aside after class and talk with them about why they are acting out. Find out what those triggers are and implement a plan on how to best avoid those triggers.
Solution #12
I believe that there are not bad children. If they are acting out, then something else must be going on. I would try and talk to the student. If you cannot find out anything then maybe it is time to get the school counselor involved.
Solution #13
I would first move the student closure to front of the class perforable near a corner and away from other students while trying to help them regulate their emotions. However if it comes to physical outburst then the next step is to contact the parents and principle as it no longer involves just the singular student but also the physical well being of the rest of the class and further aid may be needed that you as a teacher cannot provide alone.
Solution #14
I think that having a conversation with them will be beneficial and also looking out for the warning signs before they go off the wall