Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best. – Bob Talber
Every teacher knows there are students in class who struggle with discipline. They are the ones who can’t help but talk out of turn, make scenes, bother other students, and of course, attempt to be the class clown. While these antics may make a teacher’s blood boil, yelling or punishing the troublemakers isn’t the best course of action.
Instead, a teacher’s goal should be to correct the course for the student, and find new ways to engage them in the lessons. Punishing a student won’t ultimately help the student reach their potential. Here are some ways to ensure the classroom is under control and all students are learning.
Create a Positive Environment
Teachers always hope to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all students to learn in. When a student is acting out, it’s even more important to ensure they get positive attention and support. Make sure to ask the student how they’re doing, and treat them with overall kindness. This positive attention may be enough to ease their anxieties and help curb their need to be disruptive.
Keep Them Engaged
Many times the students who act out are actually bored or frustrated with the work they are doing in class. That’s why it’s key to make sure lesson plans aren’t stagnant. Be sure to change the type of learning and activities throughout the day to keep all students regularly engaged. Find ways to engage all students, especially the ones more apt to create problems in the class. If they’re busy, participating and engaged, they will have less time to cause conflicts.
Celebrate Achievements
Often the students making trouble are actually struggling. They just don’t know how to ask for help or may even feel embarrassed. It’s crucial to make them feel good about any success they achieve. Every accomplishment, whether big or small, needs to be acknowledged to help build their confidence. The better they feel about themselves and their abilities, the more likely they are to settle down and focus on the work at hand.
What are some of the ways you help calm disruptive students and bring them back on task?