How to Handle Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom

One of the most challenging aspects of teaching is how to handle disruptive behavior in the classroom. Imagine guiding a math lesson when a student suddenly blurts out jokes, inappropriate remarks, and derails the lesson. Moments like these can have even the most experienced educators frustrated and at a loss for what to do.

Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can turn these disruptions into opportunities for growth. Learn why students misbehave in the classroom, what counts as disruptive behavior, and what you can do to prevent this behavior.

Why Students Misbehave in the Classroom

For teachers managing misbehaved students, the best way to change this behavior is to understand what is causing it. One of the most common reasons children act out is a need for attention. Children who feel neglected may enjoy any type of attention, even negative responses.

Another possibility is that their needs aren’t being met at home—that includes adequate sleep, balanced meals, and basic hygiene [*].

Another reason children misbehave in the classroom is a medical condition. For example, children with autism may struggle to understand classroom norms and behave in socially unacceptable ways [*]. Children who are constantly disruptive or even aggressive might demonstrate signs of oppositional defiant disorder.

What Counts as Disruptive Behavior in Class?

Any behavior that interferes with the learning process counts as disruptive behavior. These behaviors can be minor or major. Minor disruptions might include unnecessary comments, frequent interruptions, using technology for non-academic purposes, eating without permission, or leaving the class frequently.

On the other hand, more severe disruptions might include making rude remarks against teachers and classmates, persistent and disrespectful arguments, making physical threats, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Some behaviors, such as getting caught using a phone or talking to a classmate, might be dismissed as one-time behavior. However, frequent repetitions and a blatant disregard for school rules may demonstrate unhealthy behavioral patterns.

How to Handle Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom

As a teacher, managing disruptive behavior in the classroom means building rapport and healthy relationships with students. Here are some effective strategies that may work.

Stay calm

Challenging a student’s behavior by retaliating typically causes it to escalate. Especially if they pose a direct threat, the best thing to do is stay calm. Listen to the student’s concerns, which may be the catalyst for their behavior. Be steady and consistent while validating their feelings.

Address disruptive behavior privately

The last thing you want to do is make the student feel humiliated. Once you’ve handled the situation and ensured everyone’s safety, speak to the student privately. Involve the school counselor and, if necessary, the student’s parents. Together, you can develop supportive strategies and drive the focus toward a healthy solution.

Use "I" statements

Use “I” statements to avoid being accusatory. It reduces the chances of them becoming defensive and promotes more constructive dialogue. For instance, you can say, “I’m unable to focus and get frustrated when I hear too much talking during my lesson. I’d appreciate it if you could listen quietly.”

These statements model healthy communication and encourage students to respond with a solution instead of feeling blamed.

Use non-verbal cues

Using non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, subtle gestures, and facial expressions, can communicate to a student that they’re being disruptive without calling them out publicly.

You can also use simple hand signals to remind students to listen quietly or use proximity control, such as walking by your student’s desk, to refocus their attention.

Keep records of disruptive behaviors

Keeping records of disruptive behaviors in class can help educators identify patterns in specific students. Noting these patterns can help them determine the root cause of the behavior. For example, a teacher might note whether a specific behavior happens after a noticeable trigger or during certain points of the day.

Based on these notes, teachers and counselors can develop targeted interventions and specific behavioral support.

Be consistent

When managing misbehaviors in the classroom, be as consistent as possible in setting rules and boundaries. Establish clear classroom rules from the outset and consistently remind your students of these expectations through posters or handouts.

If you notice your student misbehaving, address this promptly and apply consequences fairly. Focus on the behavior and have a private conversation with the student.

What to Avoid During Disruptive Behaviors

When addressing classroom misbehavior, the first thing to avoid is allowing the behavior to continue. Address and stop it immediately. Other things to avoid when addressing disruptive behaviors include the following:

• Making public reprimands, which can embarrass the child
• Take the behavior personally or assume it’s a reflection of how you handle your classroom
• Use sarcasm or ridicule the student in front of the class
• Yell at the student or become combative
• Focus solely on the negative behavior instead of providing constructive feedback and support
  

Preventing Disruptive Behaviors in the Classroom

The best way to address misbehaviors is to prevent them from occurring altogether. Here are some helpful strategies for preventing classroom disruptions.

Set clear expectations and classroom rules

Be proactive by setting clear expectations and classroom rules from the get-go. Collaborate with students and ask them what boundaries will create a more conducive learning environment. Getting your students involved will also help them understand the rationale behind these rules.

Model desired behavior

Be a role model to your students by demonstrating the behaviors you expect of them. Take turns when speaking, listen actively to your students’ feedback, be punctual, and respect everyone’s opinion.

You can verbalize your actions to emphasize the action. For example, you might say, “I’m going to put my laptop away so I can focus on what you’re saying.”

Build strong teacher-student relationships

Building rapport with your students fosters a deeper sense of mutual respect. Have a feelings check-in with students at the start and end of each day. Spend time throughout the year getting to know their interests and family life.

When providing feedback, give specific and personal comments. Highlight your students’ strengths and give them specific pointers for growth.

Use positive reinforcement

Don’t dwell on negative behavior—this can be discouraging to students. Instead, use positive reinforcement by praising them for positive behaviors. For example, you might tell your student, “I noticed you’ve been listening well in class and are more patient when taking your turn to participate. Great job!”

Praise their efforts as well—not just their achievements. Progress is something every student should celebrate.

Create engaging and differentiated lessons

Differentiated lessons cater to different learning styles, which can improve classroom engagement and motivate students to behave respectfully. When you give your students control over how they learn best, they’ll feel more invested in the learning process and less frustrated with their pace.

When to Involve Parents

It’s best to involve parents when you’ve already tried multiple correction strategies to no avail. The student’s inability to improve might suggest problems at home or require a higher level of intervention. Other instances in which you should involve a student’s parents include the following:

• When the student’s behavior becomes consistent or escalates
• When the student’s behavior interferes with their academic progress
• When the student is experiencing significant changes at home, such as a family illness or a new sibling
• To strengthen home-school partnerships and foster open communication with the entire family

When involving parents, establish regular communication channels by providing your email or phone number. Be specific and objective when describing the student’s behavior.

The Bottom Line

Students might act out and become disruptive in the classroom when they are dysregulated or need attention. You can prevent these disruptions by setting clear boundaries, modeling good behavior in the classroom, and using positive reinforcement to encourage respect.

It’s important for children to learn to manage their behaviors as they become more independent. Use our coping skills worksheets to help your child become more grounded and focused in the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you manage a whole class when one student is acting out?

When a student is acting out, it’s best to address the situation calmly to minimize the disruption. Avoid reacting with anger or combativeness, as remaining calm will help de-escalate the situation.

Is it okay to send a student out of the room?

Occasionally, it may be necessary to send a student out of the room if their behavior poses a danger to others. Alternatively, you can exit the room with them to discuss the behavior in private.

Sources:

1. Peng S, Peng R, Lei H, Liu W. “Family functioning and problematic behavior among secondary vocational school students: The mediating role of hope and the moderating role of perceived social support.” Personality and Individual Differences, 2023.
2. Rachel, Daniel. “Student Classroom Misbehavior: An Exploratory Study Based on Teachers’ Perceptions.” The Scientific World JOURNAL, 2012.