Happy Kids Don't Punch You in the Face

A Guide to Eliminating Aggressive Behavior in School
Ben Springer - Totem PD
Happy Kids Don't Punch You in the Face
March 2018 | 200 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9781506392813
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781506392790
Available from January 0001

Description

Take a positive approach to behavior intervention for results that work—and last!  

When there’s a nuclear meltdown happening in your classroom, you don’t have a second to think. This book is your trusted guide on what to do in the heat of the moment, and how you can decrease the chances of incidents happening in the first place. Its field-tested strategies integrate principles of behavioral intervention with the best practices of positive psychology—a fresh, effective response that respects the tough realities you face every day.  

Happy Kids takes a student-centered approach to behavior, emphasizing optimism and student happiness without sugarcoating the realities of managing your students. Inside you’ll find:  

  • Ready-to-use tools and guidelines 
  • Practical guidance developed from the author’s extensive experience training educators 
  • Solutions that work now and support each student’s future well-being 
  • A deliberate focus at the classroom, building, and system level   

Whether you’re a teacher, school counselor, psychologist, or administrator, Happy Kids has the guidance you need to manage behavior, ensure safety for all, and bring peace back to the classroom and school.

 

Contents

Preface

Preface

Overview: What This Book Will Do for You

Overview: What This Book Will Do for You

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

Introduction: The Lentil Incident

  • 1. The Roots of Aggression and the Coercive Cycle
  • 2. What Does Not Work
  • 3. The Triangle of Power: Systems of Prevention and You
  • 4. Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face
  • 5. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • 6. Optimistic Teaming
  • 7. Bringing It All Together: The Step-by-Step “Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face” Process

Conclusion: Where Are They Now? Student Snapshots!

Conclusion: Where Are They Now? Student Snapshots!

Appendices

  • Appendix A: The Coercive Cycle and How to Break It!
  • Appendix B: RIP Catharsis
  • Appendix C: RIP Corporal Punishment
  • Appendix D: The Better Reprimand
  • Appendix E: Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)
  • Appendix F: Identifying Core Beliefs When Considering Discipline
  • Appendix G: List of Evidence-Based Screening Tools
  • Appendix H: Steps to Conduct a Basic Pilot (Feasibility) Study in Your District to Screen for Behavioral Problems in Students
  • Appendix I: Influence Tips From Robert Cialdini
  • Appendix J: Applications of RICH Theory to IEP Goals and BIP Goals
  • Appendix K: The Replacement Behavior Race
  • Appendix L: Reinforcement Checklist
  • Appendix M: Functional Behavioral Assessment Form
  • Appendix N: Sample Behavior Intervention Plan Write-Up
  • Appendix O: Behavior Data Infographic
  • Appendix P: “Hello There, Elephant” Worksheet
  • Appendix Q: Thought Replacement Exercises
  • Appendix R: Emergency Contact Information Form (Template)

References

References

Index

Index

Resources

Description

Take a positive approach to behavior intervention for results that work—and last!  

When there’s a nuclear meltdown happening in your classroom, you don’t have a second to think. This book is your trusted guide on what to do in the heat of the moment, and how you can decrease the chances of incidents happening in the first place. Its field-tested strategies integrate principles of behavioral intervention with the best practices of positive psychology—a fresh, effective response that respects the tough realities you face every day.  

Happy Kids takes a student-centered approach to behavior, emphasizing optimism and student happiness without sugarcoating the realities of managing your students. Inside you’ll find:  

  • Ready-to-use tools and guidelines 
  • Practical guidance developed from the author’s extensive experience training educators 
  • Solutions that work now and support each student’s future well-being 
  • A deliberate focus at the classroom, building, and system level   

Whether you’re a teacher, school counselor, psychologist, or administrator, Happy Kids has the guidance you need to manage behavior, ensure safety for all, and bring peace back to the classroom and school.

 

Contents

Preface

Preface

Overview: What This Book Will Do for You

Overview: What This Book Will Do for You

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

Introduction: The Lentil Incident

  • 1. The Roots of Aggression and the Coercive Cycle
  • 2. What Does Not Work
  • 3. The Triangle of Power: Systems of Prevention and You
  • 4. Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face
  • 5. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • 6. Optimistic Teaming
  • 7. Bringing It All Together: The Step-by-Step “Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face” Process

Conclusion: Where Are They Now? Student Snapshots!

Conclusion: Where Are They Now? Student Snapshots!

Appendices

  • Appendix A: The Coercive Cycle and How to Break It!
  • Appendix B: RIP Catharsis
  • Appendix C: RIP Corporal Punishment
  • Appendix D: The Better Reprimand
  • Appendix E: Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)
  • Appendix F: Identifying Core Beliefs When Considering Discipline
  • Appendix G: List of Evidence-Based Screening Tools
  • Appendix H: Steps to Conduct a Basic Pilot (Feasibility) Study in Your District to Screen for Behavioral Problems in Students
  • Appendix I: Influence Tips From Robert Cialdini
  • Appendix J: Applications of RICH Theory to IEP Goals and BIP Goals
  • Appendix K: The Replacement Behavior Race
  • Appendix L: Reinforcement Checklist
  • Appendix M: Functional Behavioral Assessment Form
  • Appendix N: Sample Behavior Intervention Plan Write-Up
  • Appendix O: Behavior Data Infographic
  • Appendix P: “Hello There, Elephant” Worksheet
  • Appendix Q: Thought Replacement Exercises
  • Appendix R: Emergency Contact Information Form (Template)

References

References

Index

Index

Resources

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Happy Kids Don't Punch You in the Face

A Guide to Eliminating Aggressive Behavior in School

Ben Springer
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March 2018 | 200 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781506392790 $37.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781506392813 $35.00

Take a positive approach to behavior intervention for results that work—and last!  

When there’s a nuclear meltdown happening in your classroom, you don’t have a second to think. This book is your trusted guide on what to do in the heat of the moment, and how you can decrease the chances of incidents happening in the first place. Its field-tested strategies integrate principles of behavioral intervention with the best practices of positive psychology—a fresh, effective response that respects the tough realities you face every day.  

Happy Kids takes a student-centered approach to behavior, emphasizing optimism and student happiness without sugarcoating the realities of managing your students. Inside you’ll find:  

  • Ready-to-use tools and guidelines 
  • Practical guidance developed from the author’s extensive experience training educators 
  • Solutions that work now and support each student’s future well-being 
  • A deliberate focus at the classroom, building, and system level   

Whether you’re a teacher, school counselor, psychologist, or administrator, Happy Kids has the guidance you need to manage behavior, ensure safety for all, and bring peace back to the classroom and school.

 


Table Of Contents:

  • Preface
  • Overview: What This Book Will Do for You
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Author
  • Introduction: The Lentil Incident
  • 1. The Roots of Aggression and the Coercive Cycle
  • 2. What Does Not Work
  • 3. The Triangle of Power: Systems of Prevention and You
  • 4. Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face
  • 5. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
  • 6. Optimistic Teaming
  • 7. Bringing It All Together: The Step-by-Step “Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face” Process
  • Conclusion: Where Are They Now? Student Snapshots!
  • Appendices
  • Appendix A: The Coercive Cycle and How to Break It!
  • Appendix B: RIP Catharsis
  • Appendix C: RIP Corporal Punishment
  • Appendix D: The Better Reprimand
  • Appendix E: Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI)
  • Appendix F: Identifying Core Beliefs When Considering Discipline
  • Appendix G: List of Evidence-Based Screening Tools
  • Appendix H: Steps to Conduct a Basic Pilot (Feasibility) Study in Your District to Screen for Behavioral Problems in Students
  • Appendix I: Influence Tips From Robert Cialdini
  • Appendix J: Applications of RICH Theory to IEP Goals and BIP Goals
  • Appendix K: The Replacement Behavior Race
  • Appendix L: Reinforcement Checklist
  • Appendix M: Functional Behavioral Assessment Form
  • Appendix N: Sample Behavior Intervention Plan Write-Up
  • Appendix O: Behavior Data Infographic
  • Appendix P: “Hello There, Elephant” Worksheet
  • Appendix Q: Thought Replacement Exercises
  • Appendix R: Emergency Contact Information Form (Template)
  • References
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

In Happy Kids, Dr. Springer draws from his years of experience working with students with challenging behaviours to help teachers and school leaders understand how they can do just that. Rooted in the principles of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and the RICH theory of happiness, the happy kids formula is a tool that reminds us that when students have access to resources and intimacy, feel competent about themselves, and are healthy, they are more likely to be happy, which will drastically decrease their levels of aggression. I literally loved everything about this book and cannot stop talking about whenever I overhear a conversation about a challenging student.
Alex T. Valencic, Curriculum Coordinator for 21st Century Learning, Freeport School District, IL
"Happy Kids gives much needed advice for educators in the trenches who are dealing with aggressive and disturbed students on a daily basis. This book has relevant examples, vignettes, cases, background information concerning behavior analysis and much more. The beauty of this book is that it explains the need, the goal, the desired outcome, and goes back to give the step by step to use these techniques in the classroom. Moreover, Ben Springer's use of humorous personal anecdotes and organization make this a breeze to read and understand."
Vikki Kelly, Teacher, Caroll Independent School District, Caroll Middle School

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