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Re: Kids won't listen......
Posted by Viola Swamp on 6/26/08

It's not about the screaming. It's more the approach. My
school is predominately african american with majority white
teachers and 2 male teachers who are white. First of all,
you have to be consistent. Try to be as fair as possible
when dealing with consequences. Establish a community where
students can voice their concerns and offer suggestions.
Body language and tone go a long way. Sometimes, I just
make eye contact and whatever they are doing is stopped.
I've found that I have to use a stern voice with some
students. We'll have class meetings to discuss what is
going on in the class. Students have the opportunity to
share concerns with the class and their peers are able to
give feedback and suggestions. I also share my concerns.
For example, i explain the importance of instructional time
and that everytime I have to stop my lesson to redirect
someone, EVERYONE gets off task and by the time I gain their
attention, we have lost important instructional time. I
know its hard to believe, but students don't want others
interferring with their academic success. Also I ask for
role models to be peer buddies with those who do not always
make good decisions. I've seen some of these kids go to a
role model and ask questions about studying and why they
never get in trouble. When these students see that they are
cared for and valued as a peer, they want to please their
friends (and their teacher). And they don't want to be the
cause of someone not making good grades or not passing the
class. When I start the year, I establish our school's
expectations and classroom expectations. We role play. The
first week is used to practice procedures and get to know
one another. Expectations and consequences are posted and
our school system's handbook is regularly reviewed. This
does require time, but if you begin establishing firm and
consistent expectations from day one, it will make the year
run more smoothly. I hope you have a good year!

On 6/23/08, not trying to cause controversy. wrote:
> I teach in a new private school that is 90% african
> american students. Most of these students come from a
> close by private school that is all african american
> including the teachers. Last year was my first year at
> this school and I quickly learned that the students would
> not listen to even simple direction given by me becuase I
> am white and I don't scream. (I tested this theory out by
> having another familiar teacher who is african american
> give instructions one day) I refuse to scream at children,
> I do not think it is appropriate for anyone to scream and
> yell at children. All the white teachers in my school had
> this problem. Where any teacher or personel who were
> african american instantly garnered respect, authority and
> was completely feared by the students. The students would
> not respond unless we either a) screamed or b) offered an
> immediate reward (aka candy). We tried everything. Card
> systems, positive reinforcements, taking recess away, and
> so many other things. The background on these children
> are that they come from an environment that is
> workbook/worksheet oriented and were told not to talk or
> do anything all day except thier worksheets. So imagine
> our surprise when the children had no social skills, could
> not work in groups, or recieve direct instruction without
> the classroom erupting in chaos, fighting, and behaviour
> problems. I am worried about starting another year with
> the upcomming group. The group comming to me is comming
> from the teacher next door. I heard her, another white
> teacher, scream at them all day all last year. It really
> bothered me so I approached her and asked her why she had
> to yell so much. She told me that the students wouldn't
> follow directives unless she was doing so. So I observed
> in her class one day and saw the same thing. She tried
> positive reinforcements and so on. She was right. It
> didn't work. Now that I am recieving her group this
> year.......I'm worried. I don't want to scream at kids
> all day. Its not right. I'm really not trying to cause a
> racial controversy here, but I think this might be
> something cultural and I am asking for some advice on how
> to deal with this. I don't want to spend next school year
> yelling or giving out candy.


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Posts on this thread, including this one


• Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by not trying to cause controversy..
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by fair question.
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by Tom.
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by Kel/IL/2nd.
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/23/08, by quick question.
• Re: Kids won't listen [Ideas = TOME], 6/23/08, by Tom.
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/25/08, by Old Fashioned Discipline.
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 6/26/08, by Viola Swamp.
• Re: Kids won't listen......, 7/14/08, by Kioni Carter.