What should I do?

[Unregistered]

Dear Readers,


My class of fourth graders can sometimes be little trouble
makers.Should I make them write?I don`t want that to be to be an
easy punishment , but i don`t wanna be too strict what should
I do?

[Matrix]

If you teach them that writing is a punishment, they will internalize it. This could carry on with them through their academic career.

My best advice is to develop class rules with clear consequnces. If they know there is consequence for their actions, they will think twice. Ask parents to reinforce the rules with them.

[BigDaddyTeacher]

There is nothing wrong with establishing classroom rules, especially at this age. They also have to understand there are consequenses for their actions. I have used these procedures:
Rules - too many and they'll be ignored. I stick with three basic rules:
1) I have the right to teach
2) You have the right to learn.
3) We all have the right to be safe.

You can take any disruptive situation and plug it into one of the above rules.

Discipline - Although it might seem so, these kids are NOT too old for the good old 'color card' discipline chart. Everybody starts the day at green. First offense, yellow; second offense, red; third offense, black. (severe offenses can be moved directly to red or black, your choice).

Yellow and Red offenses include letters/notes home to parents describing the offense; notes require signatures. Black creates an immediate call to the parents at work (oh, they love that!) or at home.

Consequences - I start with removal of recess time, one, two, three minutes depending. They must sit in a chair, staring at the clock, watching the little hand circle the numbers. Nothing else. Any looking around, sounds, movement, etc, and I start from zero again. You'd be surprised how quick they stop fooling around when they learn their play time is shortened.

Other offenses, and you'll have to get creative. Check with your principal or peer coach for ideas.

Hope this Helps!
Best,
Dennis

[jgray]

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