Temper Tantrums In 4th Grade? You've Got To Be Kidding!

When some kids don't get their way,  they throw a little fit or tantrum. This typically is a strategy for young children who lack reasoning skills to handle the word "No". Not this friend.., he wanted his way ALL of the time and when things didn't go his way, he would pitch a fit. This doesn't work in a mainstream class, so we needed to address it. He already had several strategies under his belt, so we added counting down from 100. When the brain thinks about numbers and math, it can't focus on anger. Try it sometime. Counting backwards from 100 takes some time as well, so in this period of time, he was likely to settle down. He needed reminders to use this strategy, but with that, this became an automatic tool for him to use. Read all about it.., Enjoy!

Since I am in the 4th grade, I am a classroom leader this year. There are times when things don't go my way. Sometimes when this happens I get so upset that my blood boils and if steam could come out of my ears, it would. I have got to learn to control those emotions.

I have many strategies that I can use when I am upset. I can take deep breaths, let my anger go, remove myself for a moment, talk about my problem, or journal it. I have to remember "You get what you get, so I shouldn't throw a fit."

Today I learned a new strategy. When I get really upset, I can count backwards from 100. When my brain focuses on counting backwards, my anger decreases. This has a calming effect on my whole body.

Next time when my anger or frustration gets to me, I will try counting backwards. I am glad that I have a new strategy to try out when I lose it. This will help calm me down so I can focus on learning, friendship and fun.