Preventative Strategies 

One of the most important preventative strategies is setting clear expectations and routines for both behavior and academic tasks. When students know exactly what is expected of them, then they know what to do and can help with misbehaviors.

• Clearly Defined Rules: Establishing a few, simple, and positive classroom rules (e.g., "Respect others," "Stay on task") can give students an understanding for student behavior. These rules should be explicitly taught to students and consistently reinforced.

• Routine and Structure: Having a predictable daily routine allows students to feel more secure and less likely to engage in disruptive behavior. A well-structured class schedule, clear instructions for transitions, and a consistent set of expectations for each activity reduce confusion and promote a focused, calm classroom environment.

(Egeberg, 2021; Goldman et al., 2022; Shank & Santiague, 2022)

A positive teacher-student relationship is a powerful preventative tool. When students feel respected, valued, and understood, they are more likely to engage in class and behavior as expected.

• Get to Know Your Students: Spend time building rapport with students by learning about their interests, backgrounds, and challenges. By getting to know them, students feel they belong and build trust.

• Show Empathy and Respect: Treat students with empathy, listening to their concerns and responding in a respectful manner. When students feel heard, they are more likely to follow the classroom expectations.

• Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and praise students for their good behavior, effort, and achievements. Positive reinforcement not only encourages good behavior but also helps build self-esteem and motivation.

(Alcruz & Blair, 2022; Nazneen et al., 2021)

An engaged and motivated student is less likely to misbehave. When students are actively involved in learning, they are more focused and less likely to become distracted or disruptive.

• Interactive Lessons: Use varied teaching methods to keep students engaged, such as hands-on activities, group work, discussions, and technology. Providing different ways for students to interact with the lesson helps with understanding keeps their attention. Using educational apps like Kahoot!, Blooket or Nearpod can make lessons more engaging and help students to actively participate in class.  

• Student Choice and Autonomy: Giving students some control over their learning—whether through choice in assignments, project topics, or seating arrangements—helps them feel more invested in their education. This can help with behaviors in the classroom.

• Differentiated Instruction: Accommodating lessons for differetn levels of learning helps challenge students, but also helps with frustration and off-talk behavior. Technology can help with differentiating instructions through progams like IXL, Freckle, or even using Google Forms to track grades.

(Alcruz & Blair, 2022; Tomlinson, 2017)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a framework that emphasizes teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. The goal of PBIS is to create a school-wide culture that gives academic and social success through preventative measures.

• Tiered Systems of Support: PBIS often operates on a multi-tiered system, where universal strategies are given for all students (e.g., classroom-wide rules), while other supports are provided for students who need more targeted interventions (e.g., behavior contracts or check-in/check-out systems).

• Reward Systems: Establish a system of rewards (e.g., praise, tokens, certificates) for students who always show positive behavior. This helps reinforce desired behaviors and encourages students to follow classroom expectations.

(Tincani, 2022)

The physical and emotional environment of the classroom plays a important role in preventing misbehavior. An environment that is safe, welcoming, and supportive of learning reduces the likelihood of disruptions.

• Organized and Clean Classroom: An orderly, clutter-free classroom helps students stay focused and minimizes distractions. Organize materials, create clear learning spaces, and make sure the room is comfortable and inviting.

• Safe Emotional Environment: Creating a classroom culture where students feel emotionally safe and supported. Establishing a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, promoting respectful interactions, and encouraging working together and kindness help create a positive classroom.

• Flexible Seating Arrangements: Depending on the classroom’s needs, consider flexible seating arrangements that allow students to work in pairs, small groups, or independently. Giving students a variety of workspaces can keep them on task and focused.

(Blueteau et al., 2022; Kariippanon et al., 2021; Kennedy & Stafford, 2023; Lee et al., 2023; Nolé Fajardo et al., 2023)

Teaching students to manage their own emotions and behaviors is a key part of prevention. Self-regulation skills help students control impulses, stay focused, and respond appropriately in social situations.

• Mindfulness Practices: Add mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing, stretching, or short meditations, can help students manage stress, stay calm, and focus on tasks. These practices teach students to be aware of their emotions and reactions.  Students can also use technology to help set goals and take responsibility for their actions and progress.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Implement SEL programs to teach students skills such as empathy, conflict resolution, self-awareness, and relationship-building. These skills help students understand social interactions and manage their emotions in a positive way.

(Alcruz & Blair, 2022; Tantillo Philibert 2021;2022)

Preventative strategies also involve anticipating potential issues before they get worse. By identifying triggers for misbehavior early, you can help before problems arise.

• Proactive Classroom Management: Be vigilant about patterns of misbehavior and look for early signs that students may be disengaging or becoming upset. Addressing issues early, such as reminding students of expectations or offering support before a problem escalates, can prevent more serious disruptions.

• Use of Proximity and Non-Verbal Cues: In some cases, simply moving closer to a student or giving a non-verbal cue (e.g., a look, a hand gesture) can prevent disruptive behavior without interrupting the lesson. This can be particularly effective for students who may act out when they feel ignored or neglected.

(Alasmari & Althaqafi, 2024; Paramita, 2024)