Students who receive special education services with a diagnosis of Emotional Disturbance account for about 5% of the students who receive special education services. These students are often educated in self-contained classrooms with a curriculum focusing on academic and non-academic supports. It is a more therapeutic environment that is behavior-focused, with the end goal of moving the student from a more to a least restrictive environment. Students with emotional disturbance have the worst outcomes of students with disabilities as a whole. These outcomes include out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, and dropping out of school. This is very concerning for families, communities, and educators. As a teacher in a self-contained behaviorally focused classroom for preteens and teens, I decided to start weekly segments that focus on different topics pertaining to teaching teens with Emotional Disturbance (ED).
The negative outcomes experienced by students with ED show the need for explicit instruction in skills that address both academic and behavioral needs. This would mean interventions are immediately needed to meet these needs. Teaching work habits to teens with ED provides numerous benefits for their personal development and future career success. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Builds Independence and Responsibility
- Helps them take ownership of tasks and develop a sense of accountability.
- Encourages time management and reliability, which are essential for future employment.
2. Enhances Emotional Regulation
- Structured work habits can create predictability, reducing anxiety and emotional outbursts.
- Provides opportunities to practice coping strategies in a controlled environment.
3. Improves Social and Communication Skills
- Encourages teamwork, appropriate workplace interactions, and conflict resolution.
- Develops active listening and following instructions, which are key for employment and daily life.
4. Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence
- Mastering work habits fosters a sense of accomplishment.
- Positive reinforcement helps them see their abilities rather than their challenges.
5. Prepares for Future Employment and Life Skills
- Learning punctuality, task completion, and organization makes them more employable.
- These skills translate into managing household responsibilities and finances later in life.
6. Provides a Sense of Structure and Stability
- Routine and clear expectations create a more stable environment for emotional regulation.
- Helps reduce impulsivity and improve focus.
If you have some tips on teaching work habits to teens and would like to share, please comment below!
