That One Student!!!

Several years ago, I had a student that was the poster child for a defiant student.  The first week involved in the student knocking pictures off my wall, chasing him around the school, an one hour stand off in the auditorium and so many more incidents - that was the just the beginning of the year.  Every year there is that one student that tries our knowledge of how to handle any student.  During the time I dealt with this student, I searched trying to find the solution. Common Do's 1) Give specific instructions for what is being done in class and what is expected. 2) Provide a place for the student to remove himself/herself from the group, provide a "punching pillow" or stress ball. 3) Pick only a few items to improve on with a behavior chart, giving immediate feedback. The big "Don't" - Do not get in a power struggle with student - it only feeds the behavior.  Communication with the student's family is very important.  Work for a common goal. It is a very slow process to reach these children - each day is a new day.