Arguing

A student who argues (confrontational or defensive) may...

blame others, deny information
lash out verbally at other students or towards staff
withdraw into themselves (emotionally or literally physically away from the group)
challenge the authority of adults--familiar or unfamiliar
refuse to comply or argue about requests or routines/expectations
focus on only a small element of the big picture
struggle with problem solving or reasoning

When supporting a student who argues, some general strategies involve

Avoid power struggles
Use active listening
Speak in private--don't make the argument public
Use a calm neutral tone
Acknowledge their perspective
Ask open-ended questions
Make safety a priority, and let other elements rest for a time before addressing--this gives the students one time to come around to the request also

Interventions may include

Preview possible conflicts and how they can be handled before they occur
Acknowledge and prime a student validating that what you are asking they may not like
Redirect with a distraction
Stop the "event" causing the argument and give space between the "incident" and when you process it with the student
Give choices
Provide clear time expectations
Use a first/then strategy
Use logical consequences

Literature Links

I Just Don't Like the Sound of No By Julia Cook

Help Me Be good Series by Joy Wilt Berry

But It's Not My Fault by Julia Cook

I Just Want To Do It My Way but Julia Cook

Know and Follow Rules by Cheri Meiners

Talk And Work It Out by Cheri Meiners

Teamwork Isn't My Think, and I Don't Like to Share by Julia Cook

Teacher Readings

Power Struggles by Allen Mendler

The Collaborative Problem Solving Approach by Ross Greene