Quick Wins for Preventing Power Struggles in the Classroom

Quick Wins for Preventing Power Struggles in the ClassroomPower struggles don’t always start with yelling. Sometimes, it’s the silent refusal, the eye roll, or a student just checking out. If you don’t catch it early, it can snowball fast. But you can prevent most power struggles by shifting how you respond—and it doesn’t take a complicated system.In this episode, behavior consultant Joshua Ruse shares quick, simple strategies to stop defiance before it disrupts your class. You’ll walk away with tools you can use right now to stay calm, keep your lesson moving, and avoid getting pulled into a showdown.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How to spot the early signs of defiance✅ What to do (and what to skip) to avoid turning it into a bigger issue✅ Easy ways to redirect without calling students out✅ Small choices that give students control without giving up structure🎧 LISTEN NOW – Hit play and walk into your classroom this week with a plan that works.🔥 Key Takeaways from This Episode:🧠 Catch It Early• Look for quiet signals like withdrawal, fidgeting, or sudden silence• Walk near the student without making a scene• Stay calm and consistent—your presence speaks volumes🚶 Keep the Class Moving• Avoid pausing the entire lesson to deal with one student• Use soft, clear choices: “You can do this here or at the back table”• Save deeper talks for later when emotions have cooled🧘 Stay Out of the Power Struggle• Don’t let their energy pull you in• Pause, breathe, and use calm, low-pressure responses• Say less—short resets like “I’ll check back in a minute” work wonders✅ Classroom Challenge of the Week!Think of one student who regularly resists directions. Offer them a low-stakes choice this week—how to complete the task, where to sit, or when to start. Then send me a message on Instagram and tell me how it went!📩 DM me at https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuaruse📌 RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS:🎓 Want more classroom management strategies?🚀 Enroll in my course: Effective Classroom Management Strategies and Beyond🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/positive-behavior-intervention-support-training-programs-for-teachers/?kw=Effective+classroom+manage&src=sac&couponCode=ST9MT71624📬 Sign up for the weekly newsletter:Get practical tips, classroom hacks, and behavior tools delivered to your inbox every week.🔗 https://emailnewsletter.phonesites.com🔗 Follow me for daily behavior tips and content:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjoshuaruse📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrjoshuaruse💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjoshuaruse📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrJoshuaRuse🎧 If you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star review📢 Share this with a fellow teacher who needs it🔔 Subscribe to Classroom Success 101 so you never miss an episode!