Managing ODD in the Classroom

ODD is About Control

The opposition in the disorder is almost always directed at authority. That includes the child’s parents, peers, and naturally their teachers as well. Even if the teacher is the main target, that doesn’t mean that they are doomed when dealing with an ODD child.

 

Look for Triggers

In an article on medical express, they explain that one of the keys for handling ODD is to avoid episodes where you can. A simple 3 step process can be all you need to greatly decrease the stress on you and the affected student.

• Observe: I noticed that you threw your bag down and that you are stomping very loudly. It makes me think you are angry.
• Validate: It’s OK to feel angry, we all do sometimes.
• Redirect: Next time you are angry, do you think you can tell me so we can stomp our feet together? That seems a little safer than throwing your things.

 

Collaborate with Others

With ODD, giving the child a sense of stability is very beneficial in securing the child’s sense of control, and by extension their positive behavior. A vital resource for a teacher who has a oppositional defiant child is to discuss methods for handling the disorder with the child’s other teachers and parents. Creating a network for support can help the adults and children, and isn’t a bad practice for a teacher to maintain even if they don’t have any behaviorally challenged students.