Tips for Handling EBD Kids in an Inclusive Classroom
Emotional and behavioral disorders (or EBD) are a common disorder that affects students. They often have difficulty controlling their behavior and being focused in class. EBD students often lack the ability to control their impulses and maintain emotional balance in order to interact with others effectively.
This can make it difficult for you as a teacher , especially in an inclusive classroom with only a small number of students with EBD. However there are ways that you can help all students feel welcome and ready to learn. A classroom management plan designed to accommodate EBD students can help manage their behavior.
These are five strategies that you can use to support EBD children in inclusive schools.
1. Keep the rules and activities for class simple and understandable
If you have a lot of rules and requirements, your EBD students as well as those of your more focused students will struggle. Keep your classroom guidelines simple and to the point. There should be no more than three to five main rules. Make sure to let students know and place them in the classroom. An example list might be:
- Be on-time
- Use to your best
- Be polite
- Respect one other
Simple and clear rules should be accompanied by simple and straightforward teaching activities. Activities that are easy to follow and allow students with EBD can interact with others in the class by using simple directions. Here are some examples of activities:
- Responsive cards
- Clickers
- Choral response (Unison responding).
- Guided Notes
Clear activities will encourage students to engage in the lesson plan and allow them to learn along with other students.
2. Positive behaviors should be rewarded
Although you may have to discipline your children at times for inappropriate behavior, rewarding positive behavior is far more effective over the long-term. Students with Emotional and Behavior Disorder often view discipline as an attack and learn little from it.
Instead of pointing out or punishing their mistakes, celebrate the achievements of these students. They will see the positive benefits of good behavior when they are given positive feedback and rewarded. You will become more of an ally and less of an enemy to them, which will motivate them to behave well in your class.
3. Mini-breaks are possible
Many EBD children lack the maturity and emotional balance to stay focused and on-task long enough. Instead of punishing them for their mistakes, you can incorporate short breaks or rest periods into your school day.
Allow students to catch up with you if necessary. Allow them to complete their assignments and then let those who are done to stretch out and get up to move around. This will help them burn any extra energy they might have accumulated from sitting still for long periods of time. It’s also a good idea to stretch!
4. Fair treatment for everyone
Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders often have a difficult time responding to unfair situations. This can lead to a series of negative emotions and outlandish behavior.
You must follow the established rules to ensure fair treatment of all students. Every student must be taught the expected consequences. You could be accused of unfairness if you allow exceptions.
5. Motivational strategies are a good idea
Students with Emotional and Behavior Disorders are more likely to have had many negative experiences at school. They often lack the motivation or desire to succeed.
These students can be motivated to take extra measures to avoid disruptive or off-task behavior. Give them incentives to celebrate academic success, no matter how small. Recognize their hard work and praise them for their efforts. This will help these students feel motivated to succeed in class.
Although it can seem overwhelming to have EBD students in your class, there are proven methods that will help you foster and maintain a harmonious learning environment. These strategies can also be used to help students who are not EBD.