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Classroom Management Chatboard

Tired of the socializing

by Daniel Hanson

Sep 26, 2011

Hi, everyone!

Today in class the socializing was really getting to me with some of my Spanish II students. It seems like the mentality of some students is just to sit in class and socialize and not to care at all about learning the material or getting a good grade in the class. Not all my students, maybe not even half of them are like that...See More

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No one will help me.

by Nichole

Sep 29, 2011

I am a second year teacher and on my yearly evaluation last school year my principal stated that I " foster a warm, friendly and safe learning environment". I also believe I have great classroom management as I am a strict teacher. I am not being arrogant, I know I still have much to learn. I do not feel the advice given to me by my administrators ...See MoreI am a second year teacher and on my yearly evaluation last school year my principal stated that I " foster a warm, friendly and safe learning environment". I also believe I have great classroom management as I am a strict teacher. I am not being arrogant, I know I still have much to learn. I do not feel the advice given to me by my administrators was fair or just, and other teachers tell me to just "deal with it". I want to know how to prevent another incident like this one, this year.

The incident: last school year round April I had an incident in my classroom. I work at a notoriously "rough" middle school with gangs and many fights occur weekly at my school. The incident last year occured with my 6th grade class. This class was a great class, no problems all year. I was giving a written exam that day and all the students were silent, working on their exams. The day before I had rearranged the seating chart and put two boys next to each other. Both boys were quiet and good students.I haden't had any probelms with either of them all year. I was walking around the classroom making sure that noone was cheating when all of the sudden the one boy in the very front row seat turned around ( without being provoked) and stabbed the boy behind him with a pencil. Thank the Lord it ony left a bruise. I followed protocol and he was taken to the nurse. That very day I was called into the principal's office to meet with the parents of the boy who had been stabbed. There was also an administrator there who had spoken to the boy who did the stabbing.

The administrator started off by explaining to the parents that she had spoken to several students who where in the classroom during the incident, and that yes, the class was quiet and the boy, without warning, turned around and stabbed the other boy. When asked why he stabbed him, the boy explained that " he does not know.....he just snapped". Well, the parents ( of the boy who had been stabbed) looked at me and asked how long I had been teaching. I explained that this was my first year and they laughed at me. The mother was actually a person who worked for the school board in the school district in which I worked. The mother stated to me that if I had better classroom management the one boy would have never "had the nerve" to turn around and stab her son. My principal did not say anything and just sat there. The mother continued to lecture me on getting training for better classroom management until she felt vindicated. The principal ( in front of everyone) agreed to "get me into training as a new teacher".

What?! This statement coming from my principal who had just given me a glowing evaluation. I am upset because I personally feel that I could not have done anything different to prevent what happened. Can I control what other students do to one another? How do I prevent this again? I am seriously considering quitting my career after this year. Any advice? Thanks, Nichole.

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nichole Sara, yes you did sum it up. After prayer I realized that I cannot prevent every little thing from happening in my classroom. I am bothered by the lack of support from my principal. I am currently teaching and looking at other schools near my home that have great reputations and not as many fights within the school. Funny last week one of my studen...See MoreSara, yes you did sum it up. After prayer I realized that I cannot prevent every little thing from happening in my classroom. I am bothered by the lack of support from my principal. I am currently teaching and looking at other schools near my home that have great reputations and not as many fights within the school. Funny last week one of my students fell asleep in another teachers class and the teacher called the parent, and the parent explained ,very rudely, that the teacher should work on being more "interesting" in class. LOL. I might keep a diary of these funny things to look back over when I retire one day. And yes, I am going to continue to teach. Thank you for your support. On 10/04/11, Sara wrote:

> On 9/29/11, Nichole wrote: > > Did this happen last year or this year? It seems it was last > year. But you returned to teaching despite that disturbing > experience but you're still considering leaving teaching. > > I think I summed it up. Except to say your principal is a wuss > because he surely wussed out on you. He should have interrupted > the mother to say, "The length of Miss Jones' experience is not > an issue here." > > You cannot prevent random acts of seeming insanity. I once had > a student go out the window of my classroom - on the second > floor. I never dreamed any middle schooler would do that but I > never again let the windows unlocked. Who could have thought?? > > You can't make a rule that says 'no stabbing' - it gives them > the idea of stabbing. 'No stabbing during tests'.... ridiculous. > > Your principal caved - he chickened out in front of the angry > parent. It happens, it shouldn't happen but it does. >> > The only thing you could possibly do is build as strong a > relationship as possible with your students' parents so if > something happens, they don't want to blame you. I one time > lost my temper completely and shouted at a student in a very > unprofessional way. When the parent called me to ask what had > happened, I had no reasonable explanation and only offered an > apology for my lapse in appropriate behavior and the parent > said, "I can easily and happily forgive this one bad thing you > did in this school year because of all the many good things you > did throughout the year." > > Wish I could help more. In teaching and with kids, sometimes > things happen that are out of our control. Ask yourself - what > bothers you more? The incident or your principal's response to > it? Maybe you don't need to leave teaching - maybe you just > need to be working for a different principal and then you could > let yourself put this behind you. >> >> What?! This statement coming from my principal who had just >> given me a glowing evaluation. I am upset because I >> personally feel that I could not have done anything >> different to prevent what happened. Can I control what >> other students do to one another? How do I prevent this >> again? I am seriously considering quitting my career after >> this year. Any advice? Thanks, Nichole.

Oct 4, 2011

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DL With everyone in the media blaming all of education's woes SOLELY on the teachers, I am not surprised that parents are reacting that way. It was sad that your principal chose to say what he said too.

On 10/04/11, nichole wrote: > Sara, yes you did sum it up. After prayer I realized that I > cannot prevent every little thing from hap...See MoreWith everyone in the media blaming all of education's woes SOLELY on the teachers, I am not surprised that parents are reacting that way. It was sad that your principal chose to say what he said too.

On 10/04/11, nichole wrote: > Sara, yes you did sum it up. After prayer I realized that I > cannot prevent every little thing from happening in my > classroom. I am bothered by the lack of support from my > principal. I am currently teaching and looking at other schools > near my home that have great reputations and not as many fights > within the school. Funny last week one of my students fell > asleep in another teachers class and the teacher called the > parent, and the parent explained ,very rudely, that the teacher > should work on being more "interesting" in class. LOL. I might > keep a diary of these funny things to look back over when I > retire one day. And yes, I am going to continue to teach. Thank > you for your support. On 10/04/11, Sara wrote: > >> On 9/29/11, Nichole wrote: >> >> Did this happen last year or this year? It seems it was last >> year. But you returned to teaching despite that disturbing >> experience but you're still considering leaving teaching. >> >> I think I summed it up. Except to say your principal is a wuss >> because he surely wussed out on you. He should have interrupted >> the mother to say, "The length of Miss Jones' experience is not >> an issue here." >> >> You cannot prevent random acts of seeming insanity. I once had >> a student go out the window of my classroom - on the second >> floor. I never dreamed any middle schooler would do that but I >> never again let the windows unlocked. Who could have thought?? >> >> You can't make a rule that says 'no stabbing' - it gives them >> the idea of stabbing. 'No stabbing during tests'.... ridiculous. >> >> Your principal caved - he chickened out in front of the angry >> parent. It happens, it shouldn't happen but it does. >>> >> The only thing you could possibly do is build as strong a >> relationship as possible with your students' parents so if >> something happens, they don't want to blame you. I one time >> lost my temper completely and shouted at a student in a very >> unprofessional way. When the parent called me to ask what had >> happened, I had no reasonable explanation and only offered an >> apology for my lapse in appropriate behavior and the parent >> said, "I can easily and happily forgive this one bad thing you >> did in this school year because of all the many good things you >> did throughout the year." >> >> Wish I could help more. In teaching and with kids, sometimes >> things happen that are out of our control. Ask yourself - what >> bothers you more? The incident or your principal's response to >> it? Maybe you don't need to leave teaching - maybe you just >> need to be working for a different principal and then you could >> let yourself put this behind you. >>> >>> What?! This statement coming from my principal who had just >>> given me a glowing evaluation. I am upset because I >>> personally feel that I could not have done anything >>> different to prevent what happened. Can I control what >>> other students do to one another? How do I prevent this >>> again? I am seriously considering quitting my career after >>> this year. Any advice? Thanks, Nichole.

Oct 8, 2011

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thanks

by Nichole Cooper

Sep 30, 2011

Thanks, Tom...and I will follow up with other teachers and students.

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Tom You're welcome, Nichole. If you want more feedback, consider putting your post on the main "Teacher Chatboard" -- that's extremely active and lots of people contribute.

On 9/30/11, Nichole Cooper wrote: > Thanks, Tom...and I will follow up with other teachers and > students.

Oct 1, 2011

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false accusation

by Sally Smith

Oct 4, 2011

Last week I reported to my principal that as a sixth grade student was coming into the room he screamed ... "Don't hit me." This statement was directed at me. My principal told me to not worry about it and so I didn't. This week I kept the child for detention which he served in another room where I was not present. His mother called and reported th...See More

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DL If that initial report to the principal was in writing (an email), I think that may do you some good. Otherwise, you may have a fight on your hands if the mom gets the district or authorities involved in this false accusation.

On 10/04/11, Sally Smith wrote: > Last week I reported to my principal that as a sixth grade > student was ...See More

Oct 8, 2011

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When kids can move around

by Daniel Hanson

Oct 8, 2011

Hello, everyone!

I feel embarrassed admitting this, but several years of teacher, I still don¡¦t know when I should be letting students move around and when not to. I teach high school Spanish and my class does a lot of written work with the textbook. So, some students want to move around to work with others (their friends and buddies, s...See More

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Tom Daniel,

Here are my two cents:

*You are the one who decides who moves where and when.

*I recommend you build reasons for moving INTO the lesson. Lots of ways to do this, including their rotating to work at different "stations" (which have different tasks).

*Occasionally having them "move wherever you'd like as yo...See MoreDaniel,

Here are my two cents:

*You are the one who decides who moves where and when.

*I recommend you build reasons for moving INTO the lesson. Lots of ways to do this, including their rotating to work at different "stations" (which have different tasks).

*Occasionally having them "move wherever you'd like as you work on this exercise" is fine.

I've got a few more cents if you have more questions.

:-)

All my best,

Tom

On 10/08/11, Daniel Hanson wrote: > Hello, everyone! > > I feel embarrassed admitting this, but several > years of teacher, I still don¡¦t know when I should be > letting students move around and when not to. I teach high > school Spanish and my class does a lot of written work with > the textbook. So, some students want to move around to work > with others (their friends and buddies, sometimes their > very close friends ƒº). Some do it for the social element > mainly. I remember in high school and I subbed in > classrooms where teachers were okay with students moving > around (like in math classes) and sitting with classmates > to work on stuff. On the one hand, I can see how students > like moving around because they want to socialize while > they work. However, some students aren¡¦t mature enough to > work while they socialize and just end up socialize and > sometimes getting rowdy. These same individuals usually > take longer to finish and are usually waiting for their > classmates to finish the work so they can copy. Should I > just flat out tell them they can¡¦t move around during the > class period? Do I just deny moving privileges from certain > students, causing some to complain that that¡¦s not far that > some students get to move around and they don¡¦t? > > I seriously cannot make up my mind on what my stance should > be. Right now, I feel like some students feel like they > have control over where they can sit in class during class > work when ultimately, I should be the one with the last say > as to where people can and cannot sit during class. > (Obviously, I will have to give out detentions for students > talking across the classroom because they can¡¦t go sit by > their buddies.) > > Please share your thoughts. > > Confused, > Daniel Hanson > Public High School Spanish Teacher > Atwater, California, USA

Oct 10, 2011

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Sara On 10/08/11, Daniel Hanson wrote: > Hello, everyone!

What works? Each class has its own personality as do each of the kids. I will tell some kids - 'no way can you work together, you won't work!'

I do find it interesting in a high school Spanish class that they are working often from a textbook - do you allow them to speak in ...See MoreOn 10/08/11, Daniel Hanson wrote: > Hello, everyone!

What works? Each class has its own personality as do each of the kids. I will tell some kids - 'no way can you work together, you won't work!'

I do find it interesting in a high school Spanish class that they are working often from a textbook - do you allow them to speak in English in class? I'm actually not a fan of immersion teaching but if you want to cut down on the chatter, have 'Spanish speaking only' times...

If they can work and talk, I don't mind that - so long as the talk doesn't become loud or distracting. I will always be found sitting with kids - not behind the desk - and most often sitting with the kids who struggle or who are inclined to talk too much.

Of course they want to be social and that's ok so long as it doesn't become distracting to other groups. But you have to do what works for you and you will only find that out by experimenting. Some teachers can say to a class - "this group can move but the the rest of you can't" and not get eaten alive by the class for that seeming favoritism. Other teachers need to be totally consistent on their class will eat them alive.

There's no exact right and wrong on this. Different police have different approaches, my mother and father parented very differently - you have to find what works for you as a person, a personality and a classroom manager.

The ones who wait so they can copy - do they basically understand the material or not? Do they actually learn by copying? Some do. But if come test time, any of the copyers clearly don't get the material and do poorly, then you can't let them sit and socialize and you do have a very good reason for telling them no.

And you can ask them - "Josh, will this work for you? Really? Will you learn from this? Will your buddies help you to learn Spanish or will you just talk with them and miss the learning opportunity?"

School is about rising to responsibility - so is life. Can they handle the privilege of moving around responsibly?? I say things like - "If I am unfair in my judgment, I am sorry but am I? Let's talk accurate here. Am I accurate in my call that if you sit next to Ben all you two will do is talk and not softly and distract others?"

I'd add too that I find detentions and the assignment of them to be very ineffective in terms of changing any student's behavior but perhaps your experience is different.

> > On the one hand, I can see how students > like moving around because they want to socialize while > they work. However, some students arenï¿½ï¿½t mature enough to > work while they socialize and just end up socialize and > sometimes getting rowdy. These same individuals usually > take longer to finish and are usually waiting for their > classmates to finish the work so they can copy. Should I > just flat out tell them they canï¿½ï¿½t move around during the > class period? Do I just deny moving privileges from certain > students, causing some to complain that thatï¿½ï¿½s not far that > some students get to move around and they donï¿½ï¿½t? > > I seriously cannot make up my mind on what my stance should > be. Right now, I feel like some students feel like they > have control over where they can sit in class during class > work when ultimately, I should be the one with the last say > as to where people can and cannot sit during class. > (Obviously, I will have to give out detentions for students > talking across the classroom because they canï¿½ï¿½t go sit by > their buddies.) > > Please share your thoughts. > > Confused, > Daniel Hanson > Public High School Spanish Teacher > Atwater, California, USA

Oct 12, 2011

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The Daydreamer

by Tracy

Oct 20, 2011

One little boy in my classroom is a sweet kid but he often just drifts off into his own little world. He's not a kid who acts out or talks back usually but often he won't catch what's being taught even when I'm talking directly to him. Any ideas to help me?

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Sara On 10/20/11, Tracy wrote: > One little boy in my classroom is a sweet kid but he often > just drifts off into his own little world. He's not a kid > who acts out or talks back usually but often he won't catch > what's being taught even when I'm talking directly to him. > Any ideas to help me?

What grade is this and has was h...See More

Oct 21, 2011

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Linda Jordan On 10/20/11, Tracy wrote: > One little boy in my classroom is a sweet kid but he often > just drifts off into his own little world. He's not a kid > who acts out or talks back usually but often he won't catch > what's being taught even when I'm talking directly to him. > Any ideas to help me?

I have two students in my lower ...See More

Nov 26, 2011

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Reigning in the blank stare.

by Ashley

Oct 20, 2011

I have a student in my class who consistently looks at me with a blank stare rather than doing his work. I've tried one on one help with him but he still seems lost. Any tips or ideas for reigning him him in?

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Sara On 10/20/11, Ashley wrote: > I have a student in my class who consistently looks at me > with a blank stare rather than doing his work. I've tried > one on one help with him but he still seems lost. Any tips > or ideas for reigning him him in?

Is this new to this year or does he have a history of it? That's an important first q...See More

Oct 21, 2011

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Extended high school sub needs classroom man. help

by Marie

Oct 24, 2011

Hi,

I've been hired as maternity leave sub for a high school Spanish teacher. I have also been interviewed and will be considered for a permanent opening in the fall. That means that I will be on the new teacher observation list and I really need to show what "my classroom" would look like.

The problem is that the teacher I will b...See More

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Student refused to relinquish cell phone

by Charity

Oct 24, 2011

I had a student today who had been warned several times in days prior to put her cell phone away. Today she whipped it out to show pictures to students around her. I walked over and said "I will take that, please!" and she said very loudly "NO WAY!" She is very confrontational and insubordinate so instead of engaging her in a power struggle leading...See More

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Sara On 10/24/11, Charity wrote: > I had a student today who had been warned several times in > days prior to put her cell phone away. Today she whipped it > out to show pictures to students around her. I walked over > and said "I will take that, please!" and she said very > loudly "NO WAY!" She is very confrontational and > insubordin...See MoreOn 10/24/11, Charity wrote: > I had a student today who had been warned several times in > days prior to put her cell phone away. Today she whipped it > out to show pictures to students around her. I walked over > and said "I will take that, please!" and she said very > loudly "NO WAY!" She is very confrontational and > insubordinate so instead of engaging her in a power struggle > leading to a "show" for the class, I I discreetly called for > our dean of students to come down and and handle the > situation in her office. > Now I am second-guessing myself and thinking this may not > have been the most effective way to handle the situation. I > am curious as to how others would (or have) handled this > situation AND I am seeking advice on how to proceed from > this point as I am SURE she will have even more of an > attitude tomorrow.

I never ever take or try to take cell phones away - a teacher near here had his neck broken by an angry student after the teacher took the student's cell phone. And I wouldn't like it if anyone took my cell phone - there's something about cell phones that feels very personal and taking them away or trying to can be downright dangerous.

I say, "Put that away" and it's time to put that away or nice pictures but show them after class.

A lot can depend on what kind of relationship you have with your students as to what to do - and what kind of school yours is. Around here, our Dean would be very put out if asked to come handle a cell phone issue. But only by doing these things and learning from them, do we learn what works for each one of us.

When I was new, my next door colleague told me he confiscated all student notes and read them aloud to the class. So I saw a note being passed, took it, opened it and began to read aloud the note I took which said as I read, "Don't you think that vomit-green dress she has on today makes her look pregnant? And did you tell anyone I'm pregnant?"

I was wearing the vomit-green dress and I wasn't pregnant even if it did make me look that way and no way did I ever read a note aloud again or wear the vomit-green dress again.

You learn from your mistakes - if how you handled the cell phone issue was a mistake, don't do it that way and if you really want to own it and build bridges with students, tell the cell phone student that. There is nothing wrong and can be everything right when a teacher says, "It wasn't my intention to upset you or anger you. I did want the class to begin and I did see the cell phone as holding us up."

Oct 25, 2011

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Quit second-guessing yourself Kid broke the cell phone rule, and she was openly defiant to boot. You can't have that nonsense in your class, and on top of copping an indefensible attitude with you, she was wasting all the other kids' class time.

You did fine.

If you have students chronically texting or playing with their cameras, call Mom or Dad and explain wh...See More

Oct 26, 2011

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