Here's a question that was anonymously submitted to the Teachers' Diversity Coach on how to respond to a classroom management issue where students were acting out on purpose. This question was submitted with permission from the teacher.
"I found out today that the students have now decided to go against me and a group of them are seeing how far they can push me. I am not allowed to do letters home, or call parents (because of the sub status) and I have learned that they don't mind if they are sent to the office or stay in for recess. I have done many positive reinforcements also, but that isn't getting anywhere. What can I do to help my students who want to learn and be there not be affected by behavioral issues of others? What are some ways that I can discipline the students for talking when needed to stop (many of them do this now), interrupting me, teasing, etc? This is a 4th grade class. I have tried re-arranging desks and that hasn't helped either. Any suggestions would be greatly helpful. Do I comment to them Monday that I know that they are trying to push my buttons? Help! I've talked with other teachers and they think I'm doing what I can but I need some good consequences for actions and I can't think of any that I haven't already tried."
Here is my response:
In cases like these, it might be a good idea to turn this negative classroom atmosphere into a teachable moment. Perhaps, have a class discussion to get to the root of the problem. Explain to them that you are human and have feelings, too, and that this is hurting you. You put a lot of time and effort into being there for them and it's disrespectful and hurtful to be treated that way. Even with your long-term sub status, it is possible to involve the class and have them come up with a new set of rules and consequences. Make them feel like they are part of the decision making process and have a say in the classroom.I would also recommend going to the administration to gain permission to call the parents.
As a second preventive tip, I would also recommend having a supportive teacher who could take a particularly disruptive student. This teacher would know when one of your students shows up that you've had problems. Maybe the student would have to sit behind a divider of some sort and complete the assignment they interrupted, as well as the assignment they now have to do which is a social skills lesson or character development lesson. Maybe they would need to take it to the school counselor to discuss, have signed & return the signed assignment to you.
"I found out today that the students have now decided to go against me and a group of them are seeing how far they can push me. I am not allowed to do letters home, or call parents (because of the sub status) and I have learned that they don't mind if they are sent to the office or stay in for recess. I have done many positive reinforcements also, but that isn't getting anywhere. What can I do to help my students who want to learn and be there not be affected by behavioral issues of others? What are some ways that I can discipline the students for talking when needed to stop (many of them do this now), interrupting me, teasing, etc? This is a 4th grade class. I have tried re-arranging desks and that hasn't helped either. Any suggestions would be greatly helpful. Do I comment to them Monday that I know that they are trying to push my buttons? Help! I've talked with other teachers and they think I'm doing what I can but I need some good consequences for actions and I can't think of any that I haven't already tried."
Here is my response:
In cases like these, it might be a good idea to turn this negative classroom atmosphere into a teachable moment. Perhaps, have a class discussion to get to the root of the problem. Explain to them that you are human and have feelings, too, and that this is hurting you. You put a lot of time and effort into being there for them and it's disrespectful and hurtful to be treated that way. Even with your long-term sub status, it is possible to involve the class and have them come up with a new set of rules and consequences. Make them feel like they are part of the decision making process and have a say in the classroom.I would also recommend going to the administration to gain permission to call the parents.
As a second preventive tip, I would also recommend having a supportive teacher who could take a particularly disruptive student. This teacher would know when one of your students shows up that you've had problems. Maybe the student would have to sit behind a divider of some sort and complete the assignment they interrupted, as well as the assignment they now have to do which is a social skills lesson or character development lesson. Maybe they would need to take it to the school counselor to discuss, have signed & return the signed assignment to you.
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