Need help getting control

[Student Teacher]

I have been student teaching for two weeks now and I still not been able to get controll of the students. I am in a sixth grade social studeis class. They are angels when the teacher is in the room, but when she leaves the tables turn. No matter what I do they wont stop. If I give them writting assignments they do it, but behave the same way. I tried yelling, but they were shocked for about two minutes and quite for about five then they went back to the same behavior. I have a rewards system in place, but it doesn't seem to be working either. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks a bunch! :confused:

[Unregistered]

Do not address the class as a whole. Everyone will think you are talking to everyone EXCEPT them! Call students by name and ask for the behavior you are desiring. Example, Mary, I need your attention. Sam, please be quiet. Tasha, look at me so you will hear the directions, etc. Work your way through about fiveor six students and they should begin to settle down and listen.

Don't yell or raise your voice. Sometimes waiting quietly at the front of the room will result in students settling each other down. (You guys be quiet so she can teach.) You may have to say in a normal voice, "I'm waiting." "I'm still waiting." etc. Once you begin teaching, if talking or disruptive behavior begins again, stop again and wait patiently.

Read "Discipline with Dignity" by by Richard Curwin and Allen Mendler
Another good resource is anything by Foster Cline.

Good luck,
Judi

[Unregistered]

Say what you mean and mean what you say and they will listen
If you feel inadequate, they can sense it by your body language.
Get The Essential 55 by Ron Clark
Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones
How To Talk so Kids Can Learn by Adele Faber
Laughing Classroom by Loomans/Kolberg
Laughing Lessons by Burgess
Ways to Integrate the Teaching of Thinking through Yuck-Yucks

[Unregistered]

The idea of stayin quiet and waiting on the class to be quiet is a great one! You also say you have a reward system in place-- now you need to add the counter balance: a consequence plan. As you are standing there waiting for them to be compliant, watch the clock and 'dock' the class minute for every minute it takes them to reach appropriate behavior. For every minute of YOUR time they waste, you will have a minute of theirs. The one I like best is to have a assignment/graphic organizer for notes, etc. that IF they are on task and working well with you, they will be able to complete in class together. If they are not on task and are wasting time, it becomes an out of class assignment. Have the students keep these 'notes' in a binder and do random checks of completion. Surprise them and let them use their binder notes for a pop quiz the next day, or for a portion of the test of the chapter. SOON they will understand that they are in class to get their work done and it is beneficial to them to actually do it!
For the students who just don't seem to care, don't be afraid to use detentions, loss of recess, lunch away from peers, etc. As a student teacher, we often want students to 'like' us and are afraid they won't if we are the enforcer of consequences.

[Jack Furr]

:) This was advice my wife got 26 years ago from a Principal of 26 years who got it from?? I have used it for the last 18 years.

Be FIRM
Be FAIR
Be CONSISTENT.

Works for me.

[Unregistered]

Hopefully you are trying to gain their respect. As I read above:
be fair, consistant and don't smile for a week!
Yup, a week. Dole out a consequence to the "misbehaviors" that will get them as my dad says" Where it hurst". What free time do they love: recess, lunch with friends?after school time?? I know lunch detentions can be a drag 4 teachers, but if that or any of these times taken away send a messgae.Do It!! Call parents too. Say how disrespectful they are and disruptive in your, that's right, YOUR class. If your co-op teacher is out of the room it is YOUR class. Be tough, be firm, be fair and consistant. Go get 'em :)

[Unregistered]

First, try to observe just what the teacher does to get the students' attention and cooperation, then imitate that. This is what these students are used to. Talk to your cooperating teacher and get his/her advice; they should be a resource for you. Further, do you remember how hard it is to sit still in a classroom? Sixth graders need to be active. You should talk to your cooperating teacher and have him/her help you create lesson plans with activity involved. Students learn best when they are actively engaged, not when they are sitting and listening. Just be careful to create activities that have structure: a beginning, a middle and an end goal; a rubric or some other means of assessment, etc. Make your expectations clear to the students. And keep in mind that this is what student teaching is all about. Keep trying!

[Donna]

I also did my student teaching in the 6th grade in Social Studies nine years ago. I was scared as well because I had never worked with the "big" kids before-only the little ones (2nd and 3rd graders.) However, I had one of the best teaching experiences student teaching and I've been teaching 6th graders and social studies since then.

Everyone gave you excellent advice and excellent resources to read (when you find time.) I second the notion of involving your co-op teacher with the discipline plan. You should follow her lead in regards to the established discipline plan in the classroom. The students will "test" you and push your buttons--that's part of the age group, trying to find out the boundaries with you and seeing what they can get away with, and the students trying to exercise their independence. I think you already figured out that yelling doesn't truly work--it actually demonstrates out-of-control behavior--the type you don't want to have in class and you don't want to demonstrate yourself. I use a variety of tactics with my different classes of students but consistently waiting quietly for them and counting down seems to work the best for me.

Don't give up!! It's only your second week and you are bound to run into some problems as you learn to negotiate the classroom, your skills, and find out your strengths and weaknesses. As the students and you become accustomed to each other and your expectations as well, you will see that things will become easier and less stressful. Also, I wholeheartedly recommend having a engaging activity that allows for a little bit of social time while working together. I try to do a word puzzle, crossword, some type of art/craft/drawing activity each class--that might be something you try as well.

Best Wishes and Happy Student Teaching!!

[Unregistered]

Don't give up. I currently teach in a self contained room with mostly EI students. I am sure that if I can control the classroom, then you can. What I have found that works is to let the students be not only a part of the problem (their behavior), but a part of the solution. Do not let their behavior become yours. Let them know what you expect. When that is not forthcoming, then discuss what the conseqences will be. Once this is set, then follow thru. By your behavior, you will get their respect.

[Unregistered]

That was me six years ago. Keep it simple. Begin class explaining what you expect (sitting up straight, no talking when you talk, raise your hand when given the opportunity to ask questions or share how the topic relates to you).

Show concern for them individually without compromising on your expectations.

Make each lesson apply to them, or tell a story that does apply to them and then segway into the lesson.

Be excited about what you are teaching and they will get excited about it, too. The class will become a reflection of you. Let them interact within predetermined guidelines and time limits. If they get bored and detached they will act out. Do alot of activities; let them teach.

For the few who tend to disregard authority, discover what other teachers do or what school policy is for misconduct and follow the other teacher's advice about rewards for appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

Always go back to the expectation that is being neglected. Talk with each student, one on one, every time. Listen. Ask them what you can do to help them do a better job. Ask them what they can do. Have them write it down and use it for future reference.

Write down names and behavior, call home daily if needed, tell the principal, whatever it takes; the first time, every time. Students who are high-risk need an immediate 'no' regarding misbehavior and an immediate 'yes' for appropriate behavior.

I'd like to say that the class will turn around, but once in a while a class won't. Pray for each student by name each day. Expect best efforts from yourself and your students. Make each day a clean slate.

Display appropriate, professional behavior. Detach your feelings from what is taking place. Don't take it personally. Don't yell. Not everyone holds to your set of values and beliefs and most often that is why a teacher becomes upset at a student or class. Be in charge but don't bully.

Video tape yourself/class. Watch it with your mentor and discuss ways to improve your responses.

One year I had not one, but two sixth grade classes from hell. It was awful. I felt bad for the kids with poor home lifes, but we had work to do. I networked with other teachers and found they also had great difficulty with the same classes/students. The 4 or 5 students who did want to learn are still learning. I am so proud of them. Unfortunately many of the other kids spent the next year in and out of detention, suspension and school transfers.
Do what you can, and then be willing to let go of it. Sometimes it's just hard. But it's not forever.

Consider switching grade levels. Sixth grade isn't for everyone. :)

Be patient with yourself. Learning and mastering the art of teaching is a lifelong process.

[Unregistered]

Middle schol Social Studies, my favorite substitute environment. I'm a sub, and have faced some of the problems you mention; however I also noticed that you mentioned 'rewards', but made no mention of 'behavior responsibility and the consequences' of making the wrong choice.
May I suggest that you use/create a classroom rules, and implement them consistently. For instance, if a student is reprimanded more than 3 times during a class period; they are automatically assigned 'silent lunch'; where they sit alone at a table facing the wall of the lunchroom during lunch. We now have implemted a 'time out' room for all students @ our middle school. The students understand, and parents have been informed that if a student is sent to 'time-out' more than 3 times during a 4 1/2 week period; automatic ISS (in-school suspension).
The bottom line is constructive discipline is needed for succesful teaching. Students need to understand that there are 3 rules all schools embrace; SAFETY (a safe environment), ORDER (classroom discipline), RIGHTS (each person right to be treaed with respect)

[Unregistered]

All of the advice above is sound; is your head swimming? Please do not yell at your students. Expect them to respect you, one another and the learning environment. Waiting for quiet may work...try writing a few names on the board without explanation. Individual conferencing is best; I find even the worst-behaved students to be great people when alone. Remember it is the behavior which is "bad" not the individual. Most importantly, stay extremely aware of your reactions. Feelings will arise, you will make mistakes, but you must be persistent, consistent and kind. They will remember how you treat them more than what you teach them. Do not do them the disservice of getting in the way of their education, of lowering your standards, or of allowing them to waste time. Time is precious.Teach them this.I lost four former students to murder last year; life is short.
Have signals to mark periods of transition in class; use the lightswitch or ring a little bell to get them to know your routines; start speaking in a British accent; start talking to the wall; be creative; when you think the situation cannot be exacerbated, throw out a huge vocabulary word with which they will wrestle; and my favorite: deal with one student who is giving you trouble during the 30 seconds in which the rest of the class is "going to page# ___" where they will find nothing at all, but you will have had time to micromanage. You can easily play it off as a "mistake"with a different page number.
PROXEMICS is an area worthy of study for young teachers. How close you are to a student, while respecting her own personal space, sometimes without saying a word, can speak volumes. Have pre-written positive notes to slip furtively to students on point.Keep it simple.(And here I thought I'd limit my"advice" to one sentence). Oh well.BE ENTHUSIASTIC, REMAIN TOUGH BUT FAIR, AND BE YOURSELF. It beats the corporate rat race, and if one, yes just one student learns a small nugget each day, you have succeeded. You can do it.

[Unregistered]

We all know how you feel and have had similar circumstances. There are two realities in place: the first is that some classes awillbe harder than others and the second is that as only a student teacher they will try to run rings around you.!! I am a secondary school teacher and believe that you need to divid and conquer, and build positive relationships not punishments with them, as i had to do when i had a notoriously bad class one time. Get them into small groups and use space to spread them 'round - even if one group has to go on to the verandah or hall? As far from each other as possible. second - get to know individuals in small groups and chat positively with them. once they like you enough to respect you they will gradually diminish their loudness and increase respect. finally, make them own their bvehaviour by stating it for what it is - say to one of the ringleaders - "boy, you were really rude and loud back then when i was trying to talk. why do you think that is? if there isa problem they will usually tell you and if not then they know you have their measure. it will get better!

[Unregistered]

See if you can find someone who has a copy of Project T.E.A.C.H. It has a classroom management skill card that you can simply set on a convenient place where you can refer to it while you are teaching. Great teachers have used the techniques for years, but they can and are being learned every day! Do not give up! See if you can set up a video camera somewhere where the students will not notice it is on. This is NOT to catch them doing things wrong. It is for you to review and practice "catching" all the little behaviors that go on before the misbehavior occurs. See if you can tape your class from both viewpoints: yours and the students'. It is most enlightening every time I do this, and I've been at it 15 years. Not a long time, but long enough to know that I am not perfect and am learning how to teach better every day. The teacher I do not want to become, is the one who draws on past experience, thinks he/she knows everything there is to know about teaching, or the one who has given up. Teaching is a skill. Learning lasts a lifetime.

[Unregistered]

I usually assign one student to help teach class so the one student usually learns better and helps with the other students. Each day the helper student is different. I choose the student by this process. If you are the worst student on one day, you are the student helper the next but the kids never know this. I have had great success with this. They all learn that this job is hard and to respect me. At the end of each week I give my student helpers a certificate to take home to show their parents. That way the parents can help encourage the positive behavior in their kids. Parents have responded wellgetting reports from their teachers and kids. I also have used the yelling method and the kids just out yelled me. By the way the helper student has to help teach the lesson not just pass out papers or some small task. We usually learn better by having to show someone how to do what we are teaching. This method tends to work well with Husbands also.

[C.Erickson]

When correcting the students, tell them what you want them to do, not what you don't want them to do. For example; Joey, please return to your seat. To avoid arguments, just repeat what you want them to do like a broken record. This directs them and does not give them a chance to pull you into an argument.
Good luck,
Cindy

[Unregistered]

Dear Stressed Student Teacher,

You have received excellent advice from others, let me add two more resources which I have found priceless:

Lee Canter's Assertive Discipline; and

Harry Wong's The First Days of School.

Good luck and don't ever give up!

[Unregistered]

My advice is to "start over". Once you feel you have a management plan in place in your head, go to the class, and tell them that you are all "starting over". Tell them that their behavior over the past two weeks has been unacceptable and things are going to change. Be confident when you say this. After introducing the idea of change, lay out your management plan for the class. What kind of behaviors will no longer be tolerated and what will the consequences be? Lay out a clear plan with logical consequences. You will have a few students test you after this, but if you follow through with the plan/consequences you outlined, they should all fall in line. You/They know that they are capable of behaving (as they do behave when the teacher is in the room. Setting up new, clear rules, and signifiying that you are all "starting over" should help.

Good luck!

[Unregistered]

I have been student teaching for two weeks now and I still not been able to get controll of the students. I am in a sixth grade social studeis class. They are angels when the teacher is in the room, but when she leaves the tables turn. No matter what I do they wont stop. If I give them writting assignments they do it, but behave the same way. I tried yelling, but they were shocked for about two minutes and quite for about five then they went back to the same behavior. I have a rewards system in place, but it doesn't seem to be working either. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks a bunch! :confused:


when the teacher comes in ask her to tell teh class that when she walks out you mean business and there is no reson why she hears that they are misbehaving .and when the teacher leaves say girls i mean busines and every gi rl should please sit straigt adn listen carefulle adn just go on with teh lesson

[Pam in MI]

One thing is to use humor with this grade. Also see what it is that they really appreciate or like and use it as an incentive. My 6th graders are allowed to chew gum in my class as long as they have the points (behavior) to buy it and they don't blow bubbles. They think this is great since I'm one of very few who allows gum. Check with your admin. or supervising teacher to make sure this is ok. One strike and you lose the privelege - for one class or maybe more. Also, don't put up with their disrespect. In my room the rule is repsect and responsibility. Call home if they are not behaving. This works well for most students because parents HATE a negative phone call. Be firm. If you choose to allow some sort of treat or reward, be sure only the ones who really deserve it get it. the others will have to go without. What does your supervising teacher say about this? He/she should really be helping you. Finally, in my school, other teachers ar very supportive of taking in a trouble-maker or 2 from another room. My principal is also quite supportive. I have a roomful of needy and often naughty kids this year. I now kick my kids out if my teaching is being disruptive. You have to have an admin. that will back you on this. Good luck and be firm!

[Unregistered]

I've read through your replies and except for one, agree that all the advice you need has been offered. I agree that you need to be consistent, caring, state consequences and be absolutely consistent in delivering them (and this may be hard for you) and you will gain their confidence and respect. I am also a student teacher and hated to send students from the room but have learnt that you need to take the disruptive behaviour out of the class, (this may mean 2-3 minutes in a time out area within your class) which changes the dynamics, and then when they return, they are not returning to the same situation and must change their behaviour to fit back in. This is not to say it will not happen again, but your firm, consistent consequences will get the message across, eventually. Absolutely introduce activities, games, group work, where all students of all levels can be successful. Enjoy the work you do - it is possibly the most important job there is!

[Unregistered]

The kids usually know who they will listen to for the entire year.
What helps is you get the teacher to tell them that she expects them to treat her like as if you were her, and any problems they will have to deal with her after school. You need to have a good working relationship with the teacher you are working with. If this fails it means that the teacher you are working with is not that good at handling the kids to you. Usually the older ones are so set in their ways its hard for them to know what to do for you. Then again you are learning quickly what not to do.
First year teachers always start out so nice and the kids know that you will have to draw the line sometime. This time remember you are not going to be there for the rest of the year. It will end and you will have finished a requirement.
Don't sweat the small stuff let it go. Just lisften and do what she says. It seems the more you try and do the worse they get. Don't teach if they don't listen.
Good luck.
Patty

[Unregistered]

simply stop teaching or continue teaching in a quiet, normal voice- usually this makes the students aware that they are being disrespectful and begin to quiet down.

if you choose to stop teaching; take your seat and wait for absolute sileence. repeat this every time the class gets out of hand.

if you choose to continue teaching; do not repeat anything you already mentioned- tell them to that since you already taught it and have a lot to cover they should ask a fellow student- this usually makes them realize how serious you are.

good luck

[IT MAY HELP A LOT!!!!!]

I think that first you have to think about your behabiour in the classroom with your students.
Are you a fair person?, Do you listen to them?, do you answer their questions?, do sometimes they have the reason?, do you assume just in front of them that you made a mistake? Do you talk to them other topics aside from the ones planned for your classes? If there is a problem in the class do you stop the teaching time and manage the situation trying not to hurt anyone there?

I ask you to ask these questions yourself just because, sometime the students misbehave because we are the ones who commit some mistakes. It´s in our hands the class control, well with the help of them too.
I always talk to my students and when a problem arises they like me to be part of it, solving the situation. They always expect that I give the correct answer being fair with the 2 different parties in question.
It takes time but at the end it works. Everutime I leave the room I say to them I trust in you, when I come back most of them are working and I say to them Thanks for not deceiving me!.}

The love that, they love that someone takes care of them and tells them their positive aspects, but without forgetting that you have to be objective in every situation taht you are involved in.
They know, because I´ve told them, that being objective is hard and mostly with the people you take care of, but it is one of the best way to rule your own life. I do it, and it works.

They know that every end of the semester we analyze important aspects of my class. They have the right to say, I didn´t like that class because the reason they may have, all this in a respectful manner.
Let them know that you are a human being just like them, someone who loves, sometimes cries, makes mistakes, and has fun too.

They, again, love to know that you are not a super man, but a human being just like others.

Hope this works for you!!!
ytwok@latinmail.com

[Jacksonville]

When things begin to break down in my classroom (I've taught English for 15 years in middle school, and I still have trouble occasionally), I call parents during class. Usually, it works to settle others down as well when I make one child an example for the rest of the class. Most parents (unfortunately, not all, however) really are interested in making sure their child is getting just what he should in class, and not causing trouble. Yes, middle schoolers will try their limits, but if you are consistent, with pre-set consequences, you should begin to see some improvement. Above all, don't yell - it is counter-productive. Have you established a signal (taken from Harry Wong's First Days of School) to use to gain attention when they get off-task?

[Unregistered]

I have been student teaching for two weeks now and I still not been able to get controll of the students. I am in a sixth grade social studeis class. They are angels when the teacher is in the room, but when she leaves the tables turn. No matter what I do they wont stop. If I give them writting assignments they do it, but behave the same way. I tried yelling, but they were shocked for about two minutes and quite for about five then they went back to the same behavior. I have a rewards system in place, but it doesn't seem to be working either. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks a bunch! :confused:


Address each child individually. Get down to their level. If they are sitting down crouch down beside them. Get eye contact. Keep your voice firm and low. When you are waiting for the class as a whole to settle down write on the board: YOU OWE ME_____MINUTES. Then watch the clock! Write down how long it takes the class to settle down. Then announce that they, as a class, owe you 2 minutes. I guarantee that the class will begin to control itself. The quiet kids will tell the noisy ones to quiet down. I use this all the time. I never have to wait more than 2 minutes. Then, you need to stick to the plan and make the class give you ___minutes of THEIR time. Either take that much time out of recess, passing period or in the form of a detention. Let them know that this will continue until they stop wasting your time settling down.
Watch your body language too. Clothing does wonders. A suit jacket or a semi formal dress just commands respect. Make eye contact with students and remain calm despite what you are feeling inside! Good Luck

[Unregistered]

Little Bo peep
who lost her sheep
Didnt know where to find them
Leave them alone and they will come home
Wagging their tales behind them

Will they?

Positive

[Jack Furr]

These children are obviously getting more out of you getting angry/frustrated than they are from the negative consequences. Don't blow your cool. Have the teacher in the class more often until you get control again. Then remain fair, firm, and consistent. Enlist the parents help, get a cel phone, call them from the classroom. Send kids to BIR, keep them for lunch detention, keep them after school, keep them busy, remind them of consequences often, and get rid of the ring leaders if you can't convert them to allies. Have a plan "B" if you need to stop and deal with an unruly student (a worksheet/reading assignment/ something to keep others occupied so you can concentrate on the offender). Good Luck, it can be done (most of the time).

[Unregistered]

Realize that the kids know you are a student teacher. As a teacher, you will have more authority. Don't give up.

[Unregistered]

Please read Lee Canter Assertive Discipline; It works. Please, Please don't give Up. Also when class is not going on build relationships with the students.
WALK AND TALK.

BEEN THERE

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

Clothing does wonders. A suit jacket or a semi formal dress just commands respect.

Couldn't agree more. Too many teachers dress too shabbily. We are professionals, after all.

[Unregistered]

Instantly find one thats a problem and pull them out of the class - there really does not need to be a big reason. Pull them out - send them to another class (of course clear it it with the other teacher first). Even if its a good student - this will shock the others in line......... after doing this for 20+ years you really can polish the routine !

[Lisa's Hotscakes]

send them to another class

Just as long as it isn't my class. :D

[ErickCVice]

wow this is a nice post .

[Unregistered]

I couldn't agree more with the poster that said the kids getting more out of getting you mad than anything else...that's what they want, it's what they are feeding from....so when they start, you're best bet is the death glare and silence....
Then when things calm down (and yes they will) say oh, did I mention that i'm not covering the five minutes worth of material you just wasted and that it will be on the test....i thought since you were so talkative/active whatever that you already knew it and didn't need me to go over. Moving on...
they will freak, you will win
continue the process until you get them where you want them

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

I couldn't agree more with the poster that said the kids getting more out of getting you mad than anything else...that's what they want, it's what they are feeding from....so when they start, you're best bet is the death glare and silence....
Then when things calm down (and yes they will) say oh, did I mention that i'm not covering the five minutes worth of material you just wasted and that it will be on the test....i thought since you were so talkative/active whatever that you already knew it and didn't need me to go over. Moving on...
they will freak, you will win
continue the process until you get them where you want them

until one complains to the parents, who then call the admin, then you are in the front office being told to re-cover the material, then, guess what, they 'win' again.


make an example out of one, punk them out, embarrass them, the others will fall in line.

[Unregistered]

I teach grade 8 Language Arts and what works for me is the following:
Put each child's name on a 3X5 index card, during the course of the class, flip through these cards when you ask a question, call on the name you flip too. If they answer the question they get a check (answer does not have to be correct). If, during the course of the class, the students are being disruptive I remind them about the check system and that I can remove checks as well as give them. If they receive ten checks they get a free homework pass, I decide the assignment they can use it for. If the class gets a certain number of checks, we hold a raffle for prizes, these prizes can be simple like pencils or chocolate.
I also post five simple rules on the board, raise your hand, respect others, cooperate, sit quietly, and be prepared for class. I repeat these rules throughout the class period and at some point, I can point to a student and they can recite them for me.
What also works is using a kitchen timer to vary tasks every 10-15 minutes and planning so that there is NO free time for anyone.
Hope this helps!

[Unregistered]

I have been student teaching for two weeks now and I still not been able to get controll of the students. I am in a sixth grade social studeis class. They are angels when the teacher is in the room, but when she leaves the tables turn. No matter what I do they wont stop. If I give them writting assignments they do it, but behave the same way. I tried yelling, but they were shocked for about two minutes and quite for about five then they went back to the same behavior. I have a rewards system in place, but it doesn't seem to be working either. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks a bunch! :confused:
My suggestion to you would be: try giveing them gum, they chew and there mouth is busy so no tlaking out loud during class when the teacher is talking.Or talk to the school principal and tell her/him that what is going on in the class.Give them detention for a whole week or call their parents if this problem is repeating

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

My suggestion to you would be: try giveing them gum, they chew and there mouth is busy so no tlaking out loud during class when the teacher is talking.Or talk to the school principal and tell her/him that what is going on in the class.Give them detention for a whole week or call their parents if this problem is repeating

wow, not one good suggestion that would actually work in the real world given there. Thanks for stealing bandwidth. :rolleyes:

[Unregistered]

It takes time to find who you are. You have to know what your expectations and limitations are. I am still a new teacher but I have found that patience is everything. I just tell them that I will wait and that they can make up the time when the bell rings. After a couple of times they realize I mean business and they get quiet quickly. This especially works well just before lunch and at the end of school. If it is individual students I'm working on saying things like, "you may stay as long as you are (whatever the expectation is)" Be confident and understand that it takes time for them to get used to you. Most likely they are testing you out to see how far they can get. It's hard also when you do things differently than your mentor teacher. Trust me, it will be different when it really is your own classroom. Good luck! : )

[Mike]

Hi.

Three books that can help

First Days of School http://www.everythingaboutlearning.com/index.php?p=product&id=17650

Conscious Classroom Management http://www.everythingaboutlearning.com/index.php?p=product&id=18297

Tools for Teaching http://www.everythingaboutlearning.com/index.php?p=product&id=17736

You can also surf through EverythingAboutLearning.com. Search for classroom management or new teacher.

Mike

[Unregistered]

The high percentage of teachers that read this will think I'm a horrible person. This was my first year of sixth grade math. I did NOT want to have sixth grade, not because they were big, but because they are little kids to me. I was teaching high school. Stop being nice, stop rewarding them for what they should do anyway. If they do something stupid - tell them. If they smart off, smart back. Get in their face if need be. Have the teacher stand outside the door and witness what's going on. Sometimes, you have to be aggressive. This different from being mean. You will never make anyone respect you. They have to behave they don't have to like you. Now, am I horrible? No. Do I care about them? You bet, but they are 12 and I refuse to let kid bother me. Every day they say hello in the hall, always willing to help, and we laugh and joke together. Once in a while, we do special things. If they begin to get unruly, I remind them of it. Have you thrown the book on the floor and spoke quietly? You will find your niche. My degree is history, try gross fact of the day. They LOVE it and they listen.

[StuTeacher23]

um, you could wait for the students to stop, therefore, if they don't finish their work, then they just gave themselves more homework! :eek:

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

hey, you're back, Ididn't think you would come back.

[StuTeacher23]

hey, you're back, Ididn't think you would come back.

why did you think I wouldn't come back?
I was just out of town and away from a pc for the weekend!

[StuTeacher23]

do you like or live in New Orleans????? :confused:

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

why did you think I wouldn't come back?
I was just out of town and away from a pc for the weekend!

well, I figured since your thread about me so obviously backfiring had you tuck tale and run. I figured you joined YIH8U.

but apparently, your grasp of modern politics slips your grasp if you don't remember the 'chocolate new orleans' comment of mayor Ray Nagin after Hurricane Katrina.

[Unregistered]

Gee Stu, now that you are back do ya think ya can "play nice"?

[StuTeacher23]

well, I figured since your thread about me so obviously backfiring had you tuck tale and run. I figured you joined YIH8U.

but apparently, your grasp of modern politics slips your grasp if you don't remember the 'chocolate new orleans' comment of mayor Ray Nagin after Hurricane Katrina.

What is "YIH8U"?

Gee Stu, now that you are back do ya think ya can "play nice"?

Play nice? Why? Don't like me? Don't talk and post on my threads then!

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

What is "YIH8U"?
He's another user I ran off


Play nice? Why? Don't like me? Don't talk and post on my threads then!

shh, just a hint, it's not your thread. :rolleyes: unless you really are "student teacher" (the original poster) Bwahaha

[StuTeacher23]

It's nice to see why you are really here! To scare people off! :rolleyes:

I know this isn't my thread, but If people don't like me:
1) DEAL WITH IT -OR-
2) DON'T POST BACK TO ME! I don't care what you write!
I'm only here for the true purpose of this forum, not to
scare people off and type up a storm about someone else
that you hate!

KK!?

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

It's nice to see why you are really here! To scare people off! :rolleyes:

I know this isn't my thread, but If people don't like me:
1) DEAL WITH IT -OR-
2) DON'T POST BACK TO ME! I don't care what you write!
I'm only here for the true purpose of this forum, not to
scare people off and type up a storm about someone else
that you hate!

KK!?

you aren't long for this forum. ;)

[Unregistered]

Now, now stu---play nice. You are doing the exact thing that you tell others not to do, which is respond negatively on "YOUR" thread. Must it be spelled out to you? Stick to academic or teacher related subjects and we will all be fine. And, in the interim, grow up.

[StuTeacher23]

you aren't long for this forum. ;)

Why not? Are you going to scare me away like you did to all your other little friends? :p

[StuTeacher23]

Now, now stu---play nice. You are doing the exact thing that you tell others not to do, which is respond negatively on "YOUR" thread. Must it be spelled out to you? Stick to academic or teacher related subjects and we will all be fine. And, in the interim, grow up.


Are you a student or are you a teacher?
If your a student, don't tell me to grow up.......

By the way, no one is ever going to be "all fine." :rolleyes:

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

Are you a student or are you a teacher?
If your a student, don't tell me to grow up.......

By the way, no one is ever going to be "all fine." :rolleyes:

no, I won't run you off, all the others will. Why don't you go make another thread about me and wonder why it backfires on you again. That proved to be hilarious (to me anyways)

[StuTeacher23]

no, I won't run you off, all the others will. Why don't you go make another thread about me and wonder why it backfires on you again. That proved to be hilarious (to me anyways)

no one is going to run me off! I have as much right as every Joe Shmoe on this forum.

How is that funny? How do you know it will backfire?

[Chocolate_New_Orleans]

no one is going to run me off! I have as much right as every Joe Shmoe on this forum.

How is that funny? How do you know it will backfire?

because it backfired last time. You let the words on your screen enrage you and you will eventually make a "I'm never posting here again" post

[StuTeacher23]

because it backfired last time. You let the words on your screen enrage you and you will eventually make a "I'm never posting here again" post

Maybe, but only time will tell. I probably won't stop posting here though...