I have definitely had this situation happen in class. It is still necessary to be firm and administer discipline, especially if another student is harmed in the process and to show other students the behavior is not appropriate and will not be tolerated. I always told the student I loved them too, but we had to go talk about what just happened. This was in a pre-K setting, so I could leave the other teacher focused on the class while I spoke with the student at the back of the class. The parent was always informed (the student had other things going on that had not yet been diagnosed) and the front office was made aware as well. The student does need to be assured that their behavior has not diminished the love of caregivers, but that they need to work harder to express themselves appropriately.

It is alright to show that child love, but it is extremely important that the student knows their behavior is inexcusable and will not be tolerated in the classroom.

It seems as though the student is testing their limits in the classroom. If they know that they can throw tantrums and then calmly go to the teacher and profess their love, they are thinking that this type of behavior is normal or acceptable. It's important for the teacher to enforce an effective classroom management plan with rules and procedures, as well as consequences. It might be helpful to have a color chart for behavior, and write the mom and dad a little note with their behavior color at the end of each day. The consequences could begin with taking away privileges and then go into more serious consequences like a phone call home, meeting with parents, etc. Between steady consequences inside of the classroom, and hopefully outside of the classroom with their parents, the behavior should improve.

First thing the teacher needs to do is see if the child is on any type of treatment plan for their ADHD. Are they taking their meds? Is there a plan in place to deal with the child's behavior? I would suggest a cool down period and separate them from the class to stop the interruption. The child also has to be made aware of their behavior and know that despite their condition, they have some control over their behavior and that there are consequences for such outbursts. I believe that is the reason they run up to the teacher. I believe they may be feeling guilt or trying to get out of trouble. I don't believe this teacher has laid down the law or come up with an effective way to combat the class time interruptions. The teacher needs to do both to gain control of her class and her student. A phone call home to the parents to gain insight on what the do at home wouldn't hurt either. They should be made aware of the disruptive behavior.

It sounds like the teacher does not have a system in place to handle these situations. It might be helpful to have a professional come to observe the classroom to witness the situation. The professional could help set up a system so the student knows the teacher cares but the teacher can keep her sanity and keep the rest of the classroom safe.

This reminds me of a book I read called Troublemakers. In this book the author gives us 4 the perspectives of 4 different students who have ADHD. The book without going to detail describes how love could really be the answer to many of the troublemakers in the classroom. I think establishing that the teacher does care about the student on prior to these incidents could help the student feel reassured. Then when the student acts out, stop them and speak to them on. their level explain how the behavior is inappropriate no matter how much they love the teacher.

With students that do this, they are obviously attempting to gain your favor. To maintain control of your classroom, it is important to be firm in your discipline. Be sure to explain how these are the rules of the classroom and there will be no exceptions.