In my own classroom I have implemented a lot of these procedures, such as setting the classroom environment to benefit my students. I have set the furniture in places so they can no longer run, which was not safe, and all that open area was a trigger for all students. Another way to implement universal design within my classroom is to make sure that each student can reach what they need to. In my classroom I also have created a visual schedule so we can go over it and see what the schedule is every day. It helps each student to know what to expect for the day. My favorite method to implement was the communication cards. Using the visual really helps students who do not have the verbal skills to communicate yet. Hand gestures also often work as well, and when students can do the hand gestures back to communicate they also feel empowered.

There are many strategies that can prevent challenging behaviors as a teacher. First and foremost, it is vital that teachers keep the classroom positive. This means saying and doing positive things with the children. According to Cohen, Newson, Meyer, Kern, Putnam, Flammini “, Regulation strategies can include deep breathing, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation,” (2022, pg.6) and requesting/taking a break in the classroom. In my classroom I help my students regulate their breathing by reminding them to smell their roses and then blow out their birthday candles. It is also a good idea to act and get the students help before things go sour. If you can tell a student is on their way to having trouble then it is time to step in and help them implement whatever self-regulation strategies necessary to help calm the situation down. By having healthy positive relationships with our students, we can get to know them well enough to tell what will help them the most. A plan may need to be put into place, or you may have to even have a back up plan for different scenarios! Sometimes a student may just need a break to be by themselves. Once I had a student who bit children at the same time every day. We started giving him his snack a half hour early and he stopped biting! So, we got everyone on board and planned his day to have snack a little earlier than the rest of the students because he was just hungry!

Resources:

Wheeler J., Dean Richey D., (2019, 2014, 2010, 2005), Behavior Management Principles and Practices of Positive Behavior Supports, Pg. 76, Pearson Publishing.

Strickland-Cohen K., Newson A., Meyer K., Putnam R. Kern L., Meyer B., Flammini A. (2022), Strategies for De-escalating Student Behavior in the Classroom Authors M. Kathleen Strickland-C

https://global-uploads.webflow.com/5d3725188825e071f1670246/632ccb7a3756f3529d3a7391_Strategies%20for%20De-escalating%20Student%20Behavior%20in%20the%20Classroom.pdf

Amaro M., (2024), 5 Ways To Prevent Challenging Behavior In The Classroom, https://thehighlyeffectiveteacher.com/5-ways-to-prevent-challenging-behaviour-in-the-classroom/