Kids. Ironically, nightmares to some teacher. For me, it's those ninth graders. The ones who, for some reason, can't seem to keep quiet no matter how many time I ask. The ones who argue with me when I tell them to do something. The ones who say words you've asked them not to say and ask to go to the bathroom as soon as class starts every single day.
Well I've found a possible solution.
My classroom management was basically nonexistent. They were walking all over me. I let them leave my class when they wanted. It was hard to keep them quiet. It was insane. Then I went to a classroom management class. I know, right? A class? You missed class to go to a class? But it really helped.
I now have a set of rules.
1. Be respectful of yourself, others, and your school.
2. Raise your hand before leaving your seat.
3. Stay silent while the teacher is teaching the whole class.
4. Follow handbook rules.
Underneath those are my consequences, in order.
1. Warning.
This warning can be verbal or nonverbal, and I let them know that. They've told us it's best to be nonverbal, because if not, they're just going to argue. But just looking at them, then to the rules that should be visible in your classroom, then back to them, they grasp it more quickly. Not perfectly, but faster.
2. Loss of privelages.
This is where it gets good. For some reason, my kids absolutely LOVE pep rallies. So I told them if they get to that strike two, they'll be in here during those pep rallies. For example, today, I gave two of my students a warning. Then one of them kept being rude and disrespectful, so I told him he can't go to the pep rally on Friday. He almost cried. Which brings me to another point: don't back down. Even if they cry. Even if they beg. Do what you say you'll do, or they'll know you're full of hot air.
3. Parent Contact
This doesn't scare the kids like it used to, which it's why it's number three and not number two. But it's always good to keep the parents in the loop.
4. Office
You might be asking: Why is office your last resort? Kids hate the office. While that may be true, a lot of them have told me that they actually enjoy in-school. Why, I'll have no idea. But they seem to have fun over there. So I put the thing they would hate most as number two.
My kids think I'm cracking down, which I guess I am. I was even told, "You used to be a cool teacher." But it shouldn't matter what your kids think of you as long as they're learning, and they can't learn if there's no management in the classroom.
But it's still okay to be fun. Today, every time someone got a question right, I tossed them a piece of candy. They were more willing to participate. It's about what works best for you and your class.
Really, I'm just more excited to continue the school year now. I've only been doing this for a week and my stress levels have dropped, and I feel happier.
This article is for teachers, new or old, first-timers or last-timers, who want to try new management styles.
Best of luck!
