20 Behavior Intervention Strategies for Teachers

Every teacher has faced those moments when classroom behavior seems to spiral out of control, leaving you feeling more like a referee than an educator. Whether it’s constant disruptions, off-task behavior, or a lack of respect, managing a classroom can be one of the toughest parts of the job. But here’s the good news—effective behavior management isn’t about having a magic wand; it’s about having the right strategies in your toolkit.

In this blog post, we’re diving into 20 tried-and-true positive behavioral interventions that will help you create a positive, productive learning environment. These techniques aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical, easy to implement, and designed to make your life as a teacher a little easier. So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by challenging behaviors or just want to refresh your approach, you’re in the right place. Let’s equip you with the tools you need to turn your classroom into a space where learning and respect thrive.

1. Behavior Specific Praise

Behavior-specific praise is one of the most powerful tools in a teacher’s back pocket. Behavior-specific praise targets exactly what the student did right, reinforcing the behavior you want to see more of.  This is not to say that simply saying “good job” is a bad thing, it is just taking it and turning it up a notch. This will help see actual behavior change.

Here’s how you can make the most of this strategy:

• Step one: Say the student’s name
• Step two: Say good job (we aren’t getting rid of this)
• Step three: Name the behavior. For example, “Great job writing your name on the top of the paper.”

This may sound simple, but it helps to be laser focused on labeling the appropriate behaviors that you want to see more of. Maybe the student wrote their name and then immediately started talking to their peer. If you just said good job you could reinforce that talking. However, if you just reprimanded them then you could harm the relationship, and honestly it isn’t fun to constantly be reprimanding kids.

Using behavior-specific praise consistently can help build a positive classroom atmosphere where students understand exactly what behaviors are expected and appreciated. It’s a simple yet effective way to encourage the behaviors you want to see more of while boosting student confidence and motivation.

2. Behavioral Momentum

Behavioral momentum is such an easy intervention that can be used not only with your students, but also with yourself! 

Behavioral momentum is a technique that leverages the power of success to encourage students to tackle more challenging tasks. The idea is simple: by starting with easy, high-probability requests that a student is likely to comply with, you build a “momentum” of success that carries them through more difficult tasks. 

It is also known as the High- P sequence. You basically ask a few easy requests, while reinforcing between each one. Then after several successful requests, you ask them to do a harder one. The momentum gets students over their initial refusal and engage in a task that may have caused some behavioral problems in the past.

There are several considerations for this, so to be sure you do this correctly read this blog post geared right to it.

3. Behavior Contracts

Behavior contracts are a collaborative way to set clear expectations and create accountability for both students and teachers. By putting agreements in writing, students know exactly what is expected of them and they are motivated by the clear rewards and consequences outlined in the contract. It also holds teachers accountable to provide reinforcement and to talk with the student about behavior expectations, positive and negative behaviors. Behavior contracts or charts can work for older and younger students. The way they look will just be different.

Here’s how you can create and implement an effective behavior contract in your classroom.

• Collaborate with the Student: Involve the student in creating the contract to ensure they have a voice in setting their own goals. This increases their buy-in and commitment to the agreement. You can also tie in interests or hobbies to up that buy in. For example, you could do superheroes and villains instead of happy or sad faces.
• Set Clear, Measurable Goals: Define specific behaviors that the student needs to work on. For example, instead of saying “be good,” the contract might specify “raise your hand before speaking.” Make sure the student is capable of doing the behavior you are targeting. Then you want to be sure they can achieve the goal you set the first few days. For example, if you say they need four out of the five smiles to reach their reinforcement, be sure they can hit that. It is okay to start off with earning less to be sure the students again buy into the intervention.
• Outline Rewards: Clearly state the positive outcomes for meeting the goals (like earning extra recess time). Make sure these are meaningful to the student. It helps to get the student to come up with these. For consequences, I do not encourage a double whammy of instilling a consequence and not getting their reinforcement. If the reward or reinforcement is motivating enough, losing access to that is the consequence.

Need some for your classroom? Click here to get some editable one!

If you are looking for a how to guide to implement these, read this blog post that will take you through how to set one up and make sure you see change in your students’ behavior.

4. Token Economies

Token economies are a dynamic and effective way to reinforce positive behavior in the classroom by turning good behavior into something tangible and rewarding. This strategy uses tokens—such as stickers, points, or chips—that students can earn for displaying desired behaviors and then exchange for rewards.  It is always important to listen to Autistic voices in the community. Many have voiced concerns about the use of token economies because many use them as a way to enforce compliance. Therefore, I want you to be sure you are using it for positive behavior change to help the student be successful and not to simply be compliant in the classroom.

Here’s how to set up and manage a successful token economy:

• Define the Target Behaviors: Clearly identify the specific behaviors you want to reinforce, such as staying on task, completing assignments, or showing kindness to peers. Make sure these behaviors are observable and measurable.
• Determine the schedule: What is the frequency you should be delivering the reinforcement? You want this to be the same across the team so you are consistent.
• Choose appropriate reinforcers: This may require you to complete a preference assessment. It is also good to give students choice of their reinforcement so they do not get bored of their reward.
•  Deliver the reward: Sometimes, as silly as it seems, the reward is forgotten in the busyness of the day. Don’t forget!

If you’re ready to implement a token board, read about them more in-depth here including some tips to making sure you are successful and see positive changes in your students’ behavior or grab some free ones here.

Token economies not only motivate students to engage in positive behaviors but also teach valuable lessons in delayed gratification, goal-setting, and responsibility. When implemented effectively, a token economy can transform your classroom into a thriving, positive learning environment.

5. Teach Replacement Behaviors

Teaching replacement behaviors is a proactive strategy that focuses on giving students the tools they need to meet their needs in a more appropriate way. To me, it is the gold standard in interventions. Without this strategy, you can offer as much reinforcement but it still may never get you to the desired behavior because students need to be TAUGHT the behavior. Instead of just trying to eliminate problem behaviors, this approach identifies the underlying reasons for those behaviors and teaches alternative actions that serve the same purpose. 

Here’s how to effectively teach replacement behaviors in your classroom:

• Identify the Function of the Problem Behavior: Understand why the student is engaging in the problematic behavior. Are they seeking attention, avoiding a task, trying to meet a sensory need, or trying to get access to an item? Knowing the function is crucial to selecting an effective replacement behavior. Without it, you won’t be able to select a correct replacement behavior. Read this blog post to learn more about figuring out the function. Or if you want to give a listen, here is a podcast episode on it!
• Choose a Replacement Behavior: Select a behavior that serves the same function as the problem behavior but is more appropriate. For example, if a student is shouting out to get attention, you might teach them to raise their hand instead. If a student is leaving the room to get 1:1 attention, teach them how and when to appropriate ask for time to talk with a teacher.
• Provide Social Skills Training: Offer direct instruction in the social skills needed for the replacement behavior. Role-playing, modeling, and practicing scenarios can help students learn and generalize these skills across different settings. It is not enough to just talk it out. This can be hard, especially if you do not have a SEL curriculum in your school. But you can grab this set of social awareness task boxes to work on social skills.
• Reinforce the Replacement Behavior: Immediately reinforce the student when they use the replacement behavior. The reinforcement should be as powerful, if not more so, than what they would receive for the problem behavior. This can tie into a token economy or behavior contract!

Teaching replacement behaviors is an empowering strategy that not only reduces negative behaviors but also equips students with positive, socially acceptable ways to meet their needs. This approach fosters a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment, helping students learn self-regulation and build essential life skills.

6. Reinforcing Behavior

When you reinforce behavior it means that you are making the behavior more likely to occur in the future. This means that you can reinforce any type of behaviors. Sometimes you may inadvertnly reinforce a problem behavior at times. It is also important to know that reinforcement and rewards, although similar play a very different role in regards to their effect on behavior.

Here’s how to effectively use reinforcement to promote positive behavior in your classroom:

• Choose Appropriate Reinforcers: Identify what motivates each student. This might be verbal praise, tangible rewards, extra privileges, or special activities. Understanding individual preferences helps ensure that the reinforcement is meaningful and effective. You can use those preference assessments here. It is also important to keep in mind the function. Because if a student keeps calling out to get attention, they may not be motivated by a prize to raise their hand. They may need to work towards time to talk with the teacher after the lesson.
• Provide Immediate Reinforcement: Deliver reinforcement as soon as possible after the desired behavior occurs. This helps students make a clear connection between their actions and the positive outcome, reinforcing the behavior more effectively. This is where token boards make it easy to do just that without disrupting a lesson.
• Vary Reinforcers: Change up the types of reinforcement to keep students engaged and motivated. This could include alternating between verbal praise, stickers, or extra playtime. Variety helps maintain interest and effectiveness. A key tip in this is to use a choice board. This keeps kids from getting bored with their reinforcers. Just be sure to allow the students to choose their reward before they start working. If they complete the task required, and want to switch their reinforcer- let them! Don’t get into a power struggle over making them stick with their original choice. Although it can be inconvenient for you, remember our goal is to change behavior- and denying them a reinforcer is not going to help it.

Effective reinforcement not only encourages positive behavior but also helps build students’ self-esteem and motivation. By consistently recognizing and rewarding desirable behaviors, you create a positive classroom environment where students feel valued and are motivated to continue their good work.

7. Wrap Around Meetings

Wrap Around Meetings are a collaborative approach designed to support students by involving all key stakeholders in their educational and behavioral development. This strategy ensures a comprehensive support system by bringing together teachers, family members, and other professionals to create and implement a tailored plan for the student. It is important to note that these are not going to happen for every student. This is most likely for your most involved students. This additional support is to help work with the child across all the environments in their life.

Here’s how to effectively use Wrap Around Meetings in your school:

• Gather the Team: Include everyone who plays a role in the student’s life, such as teachers, school counselors, administrators, family members, and any outside professionals or therapists. Each person provides valuable insights and perspectives on the student’s needs and strengths. It says a lot when you get all of these team players together. Since everyone knows the student from a bit of a different vantage point, someone may have insights you do not see as a teacher.
• Develop a Comprehensive Plan: Collaboratively create a detailed plan that addresses the student’s needs. The plan should outline specific goals, strategies, and supports tailored to the student’s unique situation. You need to detail specific strategies that work with the student and implement them similarly across settings. You do not want one area to be giving much more reinforcement compared to another, because this could increase behaviors in one environment. Consistency is something we know is important for all kids for behavior interventions and academic ones. Need help creating this plan? Get on the waitlist for my free behavior roadmap training that does just this! Sign up here.
• Maintain Open Communication: Encourage ongoing communication between all team members. Share updates, successes, and concerns to keep everyone informed and engaged in the student’s progress. Talk about how the different intervention strategies are working and if you need things to be changed or altered. Where are the hiccups coming up. If it is working in one area but not in another, what can we do to make sure it works in all of them?

Wrap Around Meetings are an effective way to provide a unified, supportive approach to student development. By coordinating efforts and leveraging the collective expertise of a dedicated team, you can create a responsive support system that addresses the student’s needs in a comprehensive manner. You will develop relationships with families so they feel supported as well.

8. Check in Check Out

The Check In Check Out (CICO) strategy is another positive, structured approach to help students who need additional support to stay on track with their behavior goals. It is similar to using a behavior contract or chart. This intervention provides regular feedback and reinforcement, helping students stay engaged and accountable throughout the day. 

Here’s how to implement Check In Check Out effectively:

• Set Up a Daily Routine: At the start of each school day, the student checks in with a designated mentor or staff member. This meeting involves setting goals for the day and discussing any potential challenges or strategies for success. This can be the classroom teacher or it can be another person in the building. The key here is the person has to quickly develop or already have a relationship with the student. We need the person to be able to have honest conversations with them and be invested in their success. You could ask your school social worker or psychologist to do this, if they are able.
• Use a Simple Rating System: Implement a rating system to track the student’s behavior throughout the day. For example, you might use a scale of 1 to 5, where the student rates their own behavior at different points during the day, or the teachers provide the feedback. Having students use their rating scale to choose what they think they earned paired with their teacher giving feedback is the best way to do this. It can be simple like smile and sad faces, numbers etc. Keep it simple! The teacher should be checking in several times a day.
• Provide Regular Feedback: At the end of the day, the student checks out with the same teacher from the morning to review their day. Discuss the rating or feedback received, highlight successes, and address any areas that need improvement. 
• Offer Immediate Reinforcement: Reinforce the student’s achievements based on their daily rating. This could be through verbal praise, a small reward, or additional privileges. Immediate reinforcement helps to motivate and encourage continued effort.  It is important to have the goal set at the beginning of the day and stick to it. Make sure the goal is achievable. This may mean the goals are different for different students.
• Involve Parents: Share the Check In Check Out process with parents and provide them with regular updates on their child’s progress. This ensures that parents are aware of the student’s goals and can support the intervention at home. You can even consider having them do additional follow up reinforcement. Maybe at the end of the week if they hit their goal for three days they could have a special game night!

Check In Check Out is an effective, positive behavior support for students who need extra support to stay focused and engaged, but doesn’t need something super intensive. By providing consistent feedback and reinforcement, you help students build positive habits and improve their behavior and academic performance, creating a more supportive and structured learning environment.

9. Self Monitoring

Self-monitoring is a strategy that empowers students to take responsibility for their own behavior and performance. This is typically used with older students. By teaching students to track their actions and progress, you help them develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and accountability. It can be very empowering for students and helps to take a little bit off of your plate.

Here’s how to implement self-monitoring effectively in your classroom:

• Teach Self-Monitoring Skills: Introduce the concept of self-monitoring to students and explain how it works. Show them how to use tools like checklists, behavior charts, or journals to track their own behavior or academic progress. For example, if you have a student who is always coming in late from breakfast, you can make them a check in sheet. They can start tracking how many times they are on time to class. When they hit a certain number they can get a reward. This also can be reinforcing when students simply realize how much time they miss.
• Set Clear Goals: Help students set specific, achievable goals for what they need to monitor. For example, they might track how many times they raise their hand before calling out or how often they complete their homework on time. Be sure to have students set this goal (with guidance) instead of just setting it for them. This is part of having students take ownership of their own behavior and will help in learning how to self monitor. 
• Provide Tools and Resources: Supply students with the necessary tools for self-monitoring, such as charts, apps, or journals. Ensure that these tools are easy to use and suited to the student’s needs. It can even be a simple sticky note.
• Review Progress: Schedule regular check-ins to review the student’s self-monitoring data. At the beginning it is helpful to take the same data they are to be sure they are doing it accurately. For example, if you are trying to limit the number of trips to the bathroom or water fountain, take a few days and keep track as well. This shows the student they need to be honest with their reporting.
• Reinforce Accuracy and Effort: Encourage and praise students for their efforts in accurately tracking their own behavior or performance. Reinforcement should focus on both the accuracy of their self-monitoring and the achievement of their goals. This will eventually lead to intrinsic motivation. Think how good it feels to cross off a to do list. The same thing will start to happen!

Self-monitoring helps students develop important skills for independence. By providing the tools and support they need to track their own progress, you foster a sense of ownership over their learning and behavior, leading to improved outcomes and a more engaged classroom experience.

10. Providing Choice

Providing choice in the classroom is a powerful strategy that increases student engagement and motivation by giving them a sense of control over their learning and behavior. When students have a say in certain aspects of their classroom experience, they are more likely to feel invested and committed. Think about a child’s day for a minute. They are told what to do from the moment they get up until the moment they go to bed. What if that was you? Yes they are kids who need to have adult direction, but they are also human. We wouldn’t like that- which is why providing choice allows them to have controlled independence over their day.

Here’s how to effectively incorporate choice into your classroom:

• Implement Micro Choices: Incorporate small, frequent choices throughout the day, such as choosing the order of activities or selecting a partner for a group project. These micro choices can help students feel more autonomy in their daily routine. You may have to do these all day long for some students. At first, it may seem like a pain asking if they want to sit or stand or use the blue or black pen. But eventually it will become a habit and you will avoid many behavioral challenges.
• Use Choice Boards: Create choice boards with a variety of tasks or activities related to a lesson or unit. Students can select which tasks they want to complete, which promotes engagement and allows for differentiation based on individual preferences and abilities.
• Increased Engagement: Having a say in their learning can significantly boost students’ engagement levels. When they are invested in the choices they make, they become more active participants in their education. For example, you’re working on reading comprehension- can they pick the story they read for the day? Or can they choose to read it or listen to an audio book?

Choices are a vital part of any classroom management system. If you are looking to learn all the ins and outs read this entire blog post to really nail down using choices.

11. Visual Supports

Visual supports are essential tools that help students understand expectations, routines, and concepts by providing clear, visual cues. These are great because they are proactive supports, which means they help stop behavior before it happens. These supports can be especially helpful for students who struggle with verbal instructions or need additional structure to stay on task. 

Here’s how to effectively use visual supports in your classroom:

• Teach what they mean: Great, so you have made the visual supports- but many times you also need to teach the students what the images mean. If you have students who struggle to understand the images you use, I suggest using real life images. This can be more concrete for your learners.
• Use for expectations & directions: Use pictures, symbols, or diagrams to represent instructions, behaviors, or routines. For example, you might use a stop sign image to indicate when it’s time to be quiet or pictures of classroom materials that are needed to complete the project. This allows students to not have to remember all of the oral directions or expectations and frees up their working memory. Not having as much on their plate to remember can be a simple way to avoid students getting overwhelmed and engaging in disruptive behavior. Need more for your classroom? Click here for visual directions and here for visual cues of expectations.
• Create Visual Schedules: Develop visual schedules that outline the day’s activities in a clear, sequential order. This helps students understand what to expect next, reducing anxiety and improving transitions between tasks.
• Utilize Mini Schedules: For more complex activities or routines, break them down into smaller steps with mini schedules. For instance, a mini schedule for a morning routine might include steps like hanging up a coat, taking out supplies, and sitting at the desk. If you have a student who is constantly getting off task during these less structured or independent times, this can be a great way to support them.
• Use Visual Timers: Visual timers can help students manage their time more effectively by showing how much time is left for a task. This can be especially helpful for students who need support in staying on task or transitioning between activities.

Visual supports make abstract concepts and expectations more concrete, helping students better understand and follow classroom routines. By incorporating visual cues, schedules, and reminders, you create a more accessible and structured learning environment that can greatly benefit all students, particularly those who need extra guidance. These can prompt students without you having to say a word.

12. Sensory Breaks

Sensory breaks are short, planned opportunities for students to engage in activities that help them regulate their sensory needs. These breaks can help students who become overwhelmed, distracted, or restless during the school day to reset and refocus.  This is something that should be used as a preventative strategy in most cases. It is also something that should be done as a team approach. Your occupational and physical therapist are going to be your go to’s in getting the right sensory breaks for students. Some will need heavy work, others will need something that is calming and others may need something totally different!

Here’s how to effectively implement sensory breaks in your classroom:

• Identify Sensory Needs: Recognize the specific sensory needs of your students. Some may require movement, while others might need a calming activity. Understanding these needs will help you tailor sensory breaks to be most effective. This is again where your OT and PT are going to be essential. Sometimes you can even consult with your speech and language therapist 
• Create a Sensory Break Area: If possible, designate a space in your classroom or right outside where students can go for sensory breaks. This area can include tools like stress balls, fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, or soft cushions, depending on the sensory needs of your students. This may change year to year. It can also be combined with your calm down corner!
• Incorporate Movement Breaks: For students who need physical activity, consider incorporating movement-based sensory breaks. These can include stretching, jumping jacks, yoga poses, or even a quick walk around the classroom. Movement can help students release excess energy and improve focus. This is something that can be good for the entire class as well! 
• Use Calming Activities: For students who become overstimulated, provide calming sensory breaks that help them relax. Activities like deep breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, or engaging in quiet, repetitive tasks like coloring can help them regain a sense of calm. 
• Schedule Regular Breaks: Build sensory breaks into your daily routine, especially during transitions or after periods of intense focus. This helps prevent sensory overload and keeps students engaged and ready to learn. This is one of my top transitioning from recess tips. If you do a transition activity that helps kids become calm and focused before diving into work, you are going to see a lot less behaviors.

Sensory breaks are an essential tool for helping students manage their sensory needs and maintain focus throughout the day. By providing these breaks, you create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment where all students can thrive.

13. Relationship Building

Building strong, positive relationships with your students is one of the most powerful strategies for improving behavior and creating a supportive classroom environment. When students feel valued and understood, they are more likely to engage in positive behaviors and participate fully in their learning. But it can be incredibly frustrating when you are dealing with behavior challenges and someone tells you to build the relationship without specific ideas on how to do just that. 

Here are some ideas that have steps you can actually take and use in your classroom.

• Morning Meetings: Start the day with morning meetings to check in with students, set a positive tone, and build a sense of community. These meetings provide an opportunity for students to share their thoughts and feelings, and for you to model and reinforce positive social interactions.
• 10×2 Strategy: Spend two minutes each day for ten days having personal, non-academic conversations with a student. This intentional effort to connect can make a significant difference in building trust and rapport, especially with students who may be more challenging to reach.
• Use Sticky Notes: Leave personalized, positive notes on students’ desks or in their lockers. These small gestures show that you care about them as individuals and are noticing their efforts, which can boost their confidence and motivation.
• Praise to Correction Ratio (4:1): Aim to give four positive comments for every one correction. Focusing on the positive helps reinforce desired behaviors and strengthens the teacher-student relationship. It also creates a more positive and encouraging classroom atmosphere.
• Assign Special Jobs: Give students special responsibilities or leadership roles in the classroom. This not only builds their confidence but also shows them that you trust and value their contributions, further strengthening your relationship.

By investing time and effort into relationship building, you create a classroom culture where students feel safe, respected, and connected. These strong relationships are the foundation for effective behavior management and academic success.

14. Environmental Modifications

The classroom environment plays a crucial role in student behavior and learning. Good new that you can make a few environmental modifications, and you can create a space that promotes focus, reduces stress, and accommodates the diverse needs of your students. 

Here’s how to optimize your classroom environment for better behavior:

• Less is more: Consider minimizing visual and auditory distractions in the classroom. Too much clutter, bright colors, or excessive noise can overwhelm students, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Simplifying the environment can help students stay calm and focused. I love some bright pops of color as much as the next teacher, but if you are having a lot of unwanted behaviors this could actually be adding to the problems instead of helping. Even posters- if they’re covering every inch of your walls, chances are they are going to be distracting to your students.
• Adjust Noise Levels: Be mindful of the noise levels in your classroom. You can implement noise level expectations and use visual cues to remind students of the appropriate volume for different activities. (scroll down for more tips on this)
• Organize the Space: Ensure that the classroom is well-organized and that materials are easily accessible. Clear organization helps students know where things belong, reducing frustration and time spent searching for materials. It also contributes to a sense of order and predictability. If you are a bit messier (like me) this is something that may be tricky for you. However, once you see how having materials organized and put away- your classroom will just feel calmer.
• Flexible Seating Options: Provide a variety of seating options to accommodate different learning styles and sensory needs. This might include standing desks, bean bags, or wobble stools. Flexible seating allows students to choose the seating arrangement that helps them focus and feel comfortable. Check out this post for some good seating ideas!

By making these environmental modifications, you create a classroom that is more conducive to learning and supports positive behavior. A well-designed environment can help prevent behavioral issues before they start and support all students in feeling safe and ready to learn. We both know this isn’t going to stop all problem behavior, but doing these little things add up to big changes for your students.

15. Non verbal signals

Non-verbal signals are a powerful and subtle way to communicate with students without interrupting the flow of a lesson. These are great for students who struggle to process verbal language or who need to feel connected to the class (aka build up that relationship). Although you probably have a specific student in mind these are just good universal supports that will help in any classroom.  These signals can help manage behavior, provide directions, or offer support in a quiet and effective manner. 

Here’s how to use non-verbal signals effectively in the classroom:

• Visual Cues: Use simple visual cues like the directions, supplies needed, or expectations can support students significantly. These cues are easy to implement and can help students understand your expectations without speaking. You can redirect students, help them to become more independent, and save yourself the headaches of always repeating yourself.
• Hand Signals: Teach students specific hand signals to communicate their needs, such as raising one finger for a restroom break or holding up a peace sign to ask a question. This minimizes disruptions and keeps the classroom running smoothly. If you want to get some real life pictures of this for your classroom, click here.
• Eye Contact: A well-timed look can be a powerful way to redirect behavior. Establish eye contact with a student to gently remind them to stay on task or to let them know you’re aware of their actions without calling them out in front of the class. But you will have to keep in mind cultural norms. For some students this may be too invasive and others it could even be triggering for a problem behavior.
• High Five or Fist Bump: Positive non-verbal reinforcements, such as high fives or fist bumps, can be used to acknowledge a student’s good behavior or effort. This is a quick, quiet way to encourage positive actions and build rapport with students. This is a great way to increase the number of positive interactions you have with a student. It is an easy way to add positive reinforcement into your day. You should always try for a four to one ratio of praise to corrections. This will help you get there!

Non-verbal signals are an effective way to manage behavior discreetly while maintaining the flow of instruction. They allow for smooth, quiet communication with students, fostering a more controlled and positive classroom environment.

16. Proximity

Proximity is one of the simplest yet most effective behavior management strategies. By using your physical presence in the classroom, you can influence student behavior without saying a word. It’s about positioning yourself strategically to prevent disruptions, encourage focus, and maintain a positive classroom atmosphere.  It is something that you can do without even interrupting your lesson.

Here’s how to use proximity effectively:

• Circulate the Classroom: Move around the room regularly to maintain a presence and keep students engaged. This subtle approach can prevent distractions before they happen. When you are constantly moving, you can keep tabs on all students. It is less likely for them to become off task. 
• Stand Near Off-Task Students: If a student begins to drift off-task, simply standing near them can serve as a gentle reminder to refocus without disrupting the entire class. This again helps in providing the four to one ratio of praise to correction because instead of having to redirect, you can simply stand near by and some behaviors will stop. Of course this will not be true for all behaviors, but it is one strategy you can use among many.
• Use with Other Strategies: Combine proximity with non-verbal cues, such as eye contact or a silent gesture, to subtly manage behavior while maintaining the flow of instruction.

Proximity helps create a calm, controlled learning environment by reducing disruptions and keeping students on task with minimal interruption.

17. Using Interests

Tapping into students’ personal interests is a highly effective way to increase engagement, motivation, and positive behavior in the classroom. When you connect learning or behavioral expectations to something a student is passionate about, they’re more likely to participate enthusiastically. 

Here’s how to leverage student interests:

• Incorporate Interests into Lessons: Tailor lessons and examples to include students’ favorite activities, hobbies, or subjects. For example, if a student loves dinosaurs, use them in math word problems or reading passages to capture their attention. Even adding the student’s name into a math problem can cause them to be more engaged. I have seen this work wonders. Students are easily more motivated when their interests are involved and it can take very little effort to do so.
• Use Interests as Incentives: Offer rewards or activities that align with a student’s interests. Whether it’s extra time with a favorite game or a special project about a topic they enjoy, these incentives can motivate positive behavior and effort. This may take some time with getting to know the student, but if you use a preference assessment it can help you get more ideas! Need one for your own? Click here for some preference assessments. 

By integrating students’ personal interests into your teaching and behavior management strategies, you create a more engaging and inclusive classroom environment that supports both academic success and positive behavior.

18. Changing academics

Many times, challenging behaviors in the classroom stem from frustration or a lack of engagement with the academic material. Adjusting the way you present and structure academic content can help students feel more successful and reduce negative behaviors. But how do you do that? It can be harder than you may think because we have standards and curriculum. But here are some ways you can alter academics to help reduce problem behaviors. 

Here’s how to modify academics to meet support students:

• Meet Students Where They Are: Differentiate instruction by providing tasks that match the student’s current skill level. When students feel the work is achievable, they are more likely to stay engaged and less likely to act out. This does not mean don’t expose them to the grade level material, it means also meeting them where they are during reteaching time. This can help build up their confidence as well as catapult their skills.
• Modify How Tasks Look: Adjust the format of assignments to make them more accessible. This might include breaking larger tasks into smaller chunks, simplifying instructions, or using visuals to enhance understanding. It can be using task boxes instead of a boring old worksheet. You can use them for math, reading, or even social emotional learning. Check out a bunch of task boxes you can use in your classroom here!
• Adjust Task Demands: Reduce the number of questions or steps in an assignment for students who may become overwhelmed. Gradually increase the demands as the student builds confidence and competence. Don’t forget about reinforcing behaviors, even if you adjust the demand. Once they are completed be sure not to say ok, let’s do some more when they complete them. This is done often and can cause students not to believe you when you alter the demands.
• Incorporate Student Strengths: Use students’ strengths to build confidence and engagement. For example, if a student excels in drawing, allow them to illustrate their understanding of a concept rather than writing it out. You could have students do a podcast, a Tiktok, or even a YouTube video.

Changing the academic approach can remove barriers to learning and reduce behaviors linked to frustration or disengagement. By making tasks more accessible and tailored to individual needs, you can create a more supportive and productive learning environment. It is also great because it is not something that will change your whole classroom up, and allows you to do what you still need to do- teach!

19. Peer Mentoring

Peer mentoring is a powerful strategy that pairs students to support each other, which can help students see achievement both academically and behaviorally. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also builds leadership and social skills among students. When implemented well, peer mentoring can positively influence behavior, increase engagement, and create a stronger sense of community in the classroom. Both the mentor and mentee can learn from each other and grow together.

Here’s how to use peer mentoring effectively:

• Pair Students Thoughtfully: Match students based on complementary strengths and needs. For example, pair a student who excels academically with one who needs extra support, or match a well-behaved student with one struggling with behavior. However, it may not be the top performing with the one struggling the most. There needs to be a balance with their personality traits as well.
• Train Peer Mentors: Teach students how to be effective mentors by showing them how to provide encouragement, offer constructive feedback, and model positive behavior. Clear expectations help ensure mentoring is beneficial for both parties. You want to be sure that it does not become a teacher student relationship, as they are peers. Many times this can be done well with a older and younger grade as well.
• Use Mentoring for Social Skills: Peer mentoring can also help students practice and improve social skills. A mentor can model appropriate interactions, such as turn-taking, active listening, or conflict resolution, while the other student practices in real situations. Using task boxes can be a tool they use to work on skills and have conversations.
• Reinforce Positive Relationships: Celebrate successful mentoring relationships and the progress both students make. Positive reinforcement will encourage students to value their roles and continue building each other up.

By incorporating peer mentoring into your classroom, you provide students with opportunities to learn from one another, while fostering a supportive and cooperative environment. Both the mentor and the mentee can benefit from improved social skills, academic achievement, and positive behavior.

20. Check and Connect

Check and Connect is a proactive, relationship-based intervention designed to help students who engage in problem behaviors, have trouble connecting, or need a bit of additional support from outside the classroom. By regularly checking in with students and connecting them to supportive adults, this strategy can improve academic outcomes and reduce problem behaviors. Having just one positive adult connection can make all the different in the world. 

Here’s how to implement it in your classroom:

• Regular Check-Ins: Have a designated adult that the student checks in with in the students on a consistent schedule. This is not going to be a daily thing, but shoot for once a week for a half hour each meeting. 
• Set Goals: Work with the student to set achievable goals. You want to be a positive influence, so just help them set goals you KNOW they can achieve. Talk with the teacher to be sure to connect on a target behavior.
• Build a Strong Relationship: The foundation of Check and Connect is a trusting, positive relationship between the student and their mentor. Focus on building rapport, showing empathy, and being a consistent presence in the student’s life. This is why it is so important to make sure the student is able to achieve their goals to get the reinforcement, which will help build the relationship.

By using the Check and Connect strategy, teachers can help students stay engaged, address behavioral challenges early, and create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to succeed.

Managing behavior in the classroom is no easy task, but with the right strategies in place, it becomes much more manageable—and even rewarding. The 20 behavior intervention strategies outlined here provide a wide range of tools that you can tailor to meet the unique needs of your students. From fostering strong relationships and using positive reinforcement to creating a supportive environment and engaging students through their interests, these approaches work together to promote a positive, structured learning atmosphere. Remember, behavior management is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about finding what works best for your classroom and each individual student. Implement these strategies consistently, stay flexible, and watch as your classroom transforms into a more harmonious and productive space for learning.