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

About the Author

Ben Springer is an award-winning and nationally certified school psychologist. Dr. Springer is also the author of the popular books Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face (2018) and GPS: Good Parenting Strategies (2021). Dr. Springer has served in schools as an autism specialist, school psychologist, behavior specialist, and Director of Special Education. In 2017, Dr. Springer founded Totem PD, a professional development company for educators and mental health practitioners with Dr. Ben Belnap.

Reviews

"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*

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*