The first few weeks of school after breaks can bring a lot of energy—and sometimes, that energy spills over into increased behavior challenges. Maybe the novelty of being back has worn off and students are testing boundaries…again. Don’t stress—it’s totally normal. Here’s how to respond when behavior starts to escalate:

• Pause and Observe: Before reacting, take a moment to assess what’s happening. What’s triggering the behavior? Is it related to transitions, group work, or fatigue? Understanding the root cause helps you respond more effectively instead of reacting emotionally.

• Revisit Expectations: If things feel chaotic, it’s worth reviewing your classroom expectations. Use a calm and clear tone to remind students of what’s expected. Reinforce routines by practicing them together—a quick reset can make a big difference.

• Stay Neutral: When behavior escalates, your calm matters more than anything. Speak in a steady tone, keep instructions simple, and avoid engaging in power struggles. A dysregulated adult can’t help a dysregulated student, so focus on sharing your calm instead of joining their chaos.

• Provide Choices: Students often act out when they feel a lack of control. Offering simple choices (“Would you like to sit here or there?”) can help them feel empowered and reduce defiance.

• Acknowledge Positive Behavior: Don’t forget to spotlight the students who are meeting expectations. A quick “I love how [Student Name] is ready to learn” shifts the focus to what’s going right and encourages others to follow suit.

• Take Breaks When Needed: For students who are clearly struggling, offering a structured break can prevent a meltdown. This could mean stepping outside for a few deep breaths or moving to a designated calm corner.

When behaviors spike, having visuals ready can make all the difference. My go-to tools are the First/Then Board with Tokens, the Flip Your Lid visuals, and the I Need a Break Area Kit — quick to implement, teacher-tested, and designed for calm.”

Behavior spikes happen, but they don’t have to derail your day. With a little patience and a plan, you can guide your classroom back to calm and keep things running smoothly.

Also, in case no one has told you, you’re doing an AMAZING job! 

Cheering you on always!