Negativity
A student who responds negatively (with a negative attitude) may...
- make negative comments
- say things are "stupid" or "dumb" or that they "don't care"
- diminish their own achievements/successes or those of others
- argue or talk back
- be non-compliant
- challenge yours or others ideas and opinions
- catastrophize situations/fatalistic outlook
- "look" angry, unhappy, or disengaged
When supporting a student who is negative, some general strategies include
- empathize rather than trying to convince/persuade
- highlight the positive
- stay calm and neutral
- avoid power struggles
- speak to the student privately about situations
- give specific praise
- focus on the present
- make mistakes an okay part of your day--model mistakes and how to respond
- use growth mindset language/teach replacement language
Interventions may include
- provide "start commands" and process cues
- provide positive frames for responses
- use social stories to set up events and activities
- provide and practice affirmations
- spend time reflecting what went well and what lessons were learned, how one might do something different next time
- a Brain Bully and Brain Coach activity/lesson with your class and using the language as follow-up
Literature Links
Be Positive! by Cheri J Meiners and Elizabeth Allen
When Pigs Fly by Valerie Coulman
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by Joann Deak
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
Bubble Gum Brain by Julia Cook
I Can't Do That Yet by Esther Cordova
I Got This by Steve Herman
Teacher Readings