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How to Deal With Disruptive Students

Practical Application Of Discipline

Now to the heart of the matter. You have looked into the child's background, contacted the family, get goals, used all resources in your school, used an inventory to discover more about the child.. . and you are ready to work. You begin by allowing the child to start with a "clean slate." Whatever that child has done in the past, that was not beneficial or acceptable or respectful, you must be willing to put aside and give a chance to begin anew. If you cannot do this, there will be no change or growth in this child. Your goal is to get this child to trust you. Trust is something that does not come easily to this child and he/she will test you to prove that you really care and will not give up. You must constantly show your belief in him/her so that this child will eventually believe in himself/herself. You are not the target. Try not to take things personally . Remember that the child is suffering and needs help. When he/she lashes out, it is out of frustration and discouragement. It is a way to reach out to you. Your respond is key at this point. Be firm but compassionate. Be direct in your demands but understanding if your demands are not met immediately. The child must become responsible for his/her own actions. In order to attain these goals, success must be experienced. Find some success every day to reward even, if it seems insignificant. The child must gradually grow to want to succeed and then successes will build. A practical example might be: This child seems to have a short attention span and is disorganized. Help the child to become more organized by taping a card to his/her desk with tasks to be performed that day. The card might say: When you arrive in the morning:

1. Put your coat in the closet

2. Put books away.

3. Go to the book center and read with a friend . As you walk around and greet the students, simply put a sticker on the card and offer a few words of praise. Set small goals.

Another example: This child has a hard time walking down the stairs to lunch. Let this child be the line leader or end of the line helper. Find something"important" for him/her so the focus is on the goal and distract from inappropriate behavior. Praise this child in front of the other students. They probably haven't heard good things about this child. You want to change the perception for the child and the other children. You might want to partner this child with a responsible child. Modeling is important in changing behavior. You can be a partner at times also.

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