Redirecting Negative Behaviors
When challenging behaviors pop up—and they will—redirecting with intention is key. Instead of reacting with punishment or frustration, try guiding the learner toward a more appropriate choice. This could mean offering a calming activity, shifting focus to a hands-on task, or giving them a leadership role to meet their need for attention or control in a positive way.
The goal isn’t to shame or suppress the behavior, but to understand what’s underneath it and channel it into something constructive. Redirection is part art, part science, and 100% a skill worth building.
Change the Environment
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Reduces sensory overload and provides a fresh perspective. Tips Suggest moving to a quieter or less stimulating area.
Focus on Solutions
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Redirects their focus from the problem to finding a resolution. Tips Ask, 'What can we do to make this better for you right...
Highlight their Strengths
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Builds confidence and shifts focus from negativity to capability. Tips Remind them of past successes: 'You've handled tough...
Introduce Humor Carefully
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Humor can create a moment of relief and redirect their emotional state. Tips Use a lighthearted comment to break tension:...
Offer a Choice
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Empowers them and reduces feelings of helplessness or being controlled. Tips Provide two clear options: 'Would you like to...
Offer a Distraction
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Redirects their attention away from the source of agitation. Tips Shift focus to a neutral or positive topic: 'Let's step outside...
Reframe their Perspective
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Helps them see the situation in a less negative or threatening way. Tips Say, 'I can see you're upset, but this could be an...
Shift to a Collaborative Task
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Engages them in something constructive and reduces focus on the conflict. Tips Suggest working together on a neutral...
Use a Calming Activity
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Redirects their energy into a productive outlet. Tips Suggest something soothing like deep breathing, drawing, or squeezing a...
Use Positive Reinforcement
Activities: Redirecting Negative Behaviors Encourages continued positive behavior and shifts focus to progress. Tips Acknowledge small positive behaviors: 'I appreciate...
