If Student is a complains or protests requests, then give a fixed
choice, which allows him a small level of control. Defiance of authority
usually has a root in a need for control, so give him a little. You
would be surprised at how often this works. Say, “Student, you have a
choice. You can start your math fact worksheet or read silently for 10
minutes. You pick.” I know, you’re thinking he will pick “neither” but
that rarely happens. If he does say neither, you can say, “Would you
like me to make a choice for you?” and that usually triggers a choice.