The Unteachables Podcast #130: Dealing with defiance? You don't need to say a word - you just need these 3 game-changing non-verbal strategies!
Jul 1, 2025
Discover the power of nonverbal communication in tackling classroom defiance. Learn about three transformative strategies: choice cards for giving students ownership, post-it prompts to de-escalate tension, and movement tasks that help reset nervous systems. Sometimes, saying nothing at all is the key to maintaining authority and creating a safe learning environment. These game-changing tools can preserve calm, promote positive relationships, and of course, save your sanity in the process!
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Power of Silence in Defiance
- Sometimes the strongest classroom strategy is to remain silent during defiance.
- Speaking less preserves calm and credibility, helping to shift students toward direction.
Use Choice Cards Effectively
- Use choice cards to give students clear, nonverbal options to reduce power struggles.
- Choice cards preserve dignity and promote autonomy while maintaining teacher calm.
Post-it Notes for Quiet Prompts
- Drop short, clear post-it note prompts to redirect without verbal confrontation.
- Keep prompts concise to ease overwhelmed students and save your energy.
