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Do you have “that” class this year? Or maybe you know they’re coming next year? Or maybe you had them last year. Regardless, it’s inevitable that at some point in your teaching career you will have “them”. I’m not saying this to try and be rude. In all honesty, I enjoy the challenge of these classes! They push me as an educator and I normally come out even stronger in the long run (although often more tired at the time!). But I’ve learned that stopping behaviors before they even start is key! That’s why I’ve created this list of 12 tips to help you out.
We’ve all had them – “that” class! The one everybody whispers about, and says, “Good luck! You’ll need all the help you can get!” I simply smile, say a polite thanks, and retreat back into my room. I’ve never really understood why we need to “warn” one another about these classes. Kids are kids. Some years are more challenging than others, but that’s just part of the job. (Now if they are giving me pointers that have worked well for them with this particular group, that’s a whole different story!)
However, I have found some techniques that seem to help out with these classes. You are going to read some of these and go “duh!” but I hope you gain at least one helpful tip! So let’s get to it – 12 tips for stopping behaviors before they start.
- proximity – Sometimes all a culprit needs is the teacher to be near her. I believe it’s in Harry Wong’s First Days of School book that he says teachers must be out among the students. If all we do is stand at the front of the room and talk to students, we lose them. Let them know we are in control of the entire room. We can walk wherever we please.
- touch – A gentle hand on the shoulder will often remind a student exactly what he should be doing (or at least what he should not be doing). {Although I’ve known students where this causes the exact opposite to happen – so it’s good to know your students!}
- engaging lessons – Keep students engaged. Bored students act up. Even if the lesson isn’t on the most exciting topic in the world, keep it moving along. Substitute teachers often have trouble getting through all the material I cover in a day because I keep kids busy. Engaged, busy students are less of a behavioral problem! Click here for a free ebook with fun, engaging classroom ideas!
- excitement – This somewhat fits in with engaging lessons. I’ve found that building humor into my day or other “exciting” things that happen unexpectedly will keep students entertained. They want to know what I will do or say next. They never know when I will tell a joke, change my voice to that of a giant, or some other random, crazy thing! This keeps them on their toys and paying attention. When they’re paying attention, they’re not causing problems.
- consistency – Nothing will cause you more problems than not being consistent. I swear students are able to tell when a teacher is not being “fair”. It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about discipline, lining up, or whose turn it is to use the special chair – they know! Be consistent. There may be days when you feel like you’ve said the same thing 100 times over, but keep at it. They will get it figured out.
- well planned – Another thing that ties right in with consistency is being well planned. I post a daily classroom schedule, and it’s amazing how many students love this visual. They know what they are doing throughout the day, they can tell how long it will last, and the end is in sight. I know this is standard in many classrooms, but it has always amazed me how many students comment that last year’s teacher didn’t post a schedule. It helps me stay accountable, AND it let’s students feel a little bit in control.
- sponge activities – A well-planned schedule is great, but what are you going to do with those extra five minutes now that the lesson is over? Make sure you have 2-3 surefire activities for students to complete when they have an extra five minutes of time. If they are engaged, they won’t be as much of a problem. Here’s my favorite sponge activity that also helps me build a better relationship with my students.
- choice – Giving students the tiniest bit of choice throughout the day lets them know that you aren’t the evil teacher who’s out to get them. Even if it’s something as simple as choose from these two essays questions or spelling assignments – students like choice. They will feel empowered and I’ve found empowered students are less likely to get into power struggles with the teacher.
- flexibility – Sometimes you have a group that just makes your regular discipline plan fall apart. There’s nothing wrong with seeking helps from your peers (or Pinterest!) and trying something new!
- getting students to buy in – Students who help develop the class goals and expectations also tend to buy in to them more. They will know exactly what these are, how they look, and what they sound like. If they helped develop them, there’s no reason they can’t follow them!
- giving students jobs – This fits right in with buy in from students. Giving each student a classroom job (no matter what age!) helps them feel important and part of the class. Even if it’s something as simple as picking up the paper on the floor at the end of the day, it teaches them responsibility and let’s them know they are a valuable asset to the classroom community.
- major toolkit of classroom management skills – This one is easier said than done, regardless of how many years of teaching you have under your belt! However, it’s vital to keep learning. Make sure you always have at least one idea in your back pocket. Each of these “tools” will make you a better teacher, and you just never know when you might need to pull one of them out. (And with the age of technology and Pinterest, it’s much easier to find a new idea in moments!)
- FREE New Teacher Orientation Checklist
- How to Prepare for a New School Year When You’re Switching Grades
- FREE Bright School Year Printable Tag (for students OR staff!)
- Back to School Classroom Management Tips
- Stomp Out Inappropriate Language at the Beginning of the Year
- School Rules: How to Start the Year Off Right
- “That’s Easy!” – The Impact of Such a Simple Phrase
- Gathering Student Information FREEBIE
- Creating Tolerance in the Classroom
Great post! I'm pinning this for future reference and so others can find it too 🙂
Rae
Mindful Rambles