Feel Like Giving Up

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Classroom Discipline Chatboard

Feel Like Giving Up

by Melissa

Apr 23, 2010

I am not sure how to get through the next month and a half. My students do not listen, they constantly talk, and they often just decide not to work (and instead, will fool around). I used to have a very well-behaved class. However, in the past few weeks, they have gotten more and more rowdy. Today, they came in from PE so loud and just kept talking and talking (even when I turned the lights off). They used to walk in a straight, quiet line and now they are all over the place. Even when I make them line up again.

They are in 5th grade and are ready for summer. I'm not sure what to do.

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Prof. Seeman On 4/23/10, Melissa wrote: > I am not sure how to get through the next month and a half. > My students do not listen, they constantly talk, and they > often just decide not to work (and instead, will fool > around). I used to have a very well-behaved class. However, > in the past few weeks, they have gotten more and more > rowdy. ...See More

Apr 24, 2010

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Zodea Melissa,

Now is a time to reflect... but don't give up! While it may be hard to get things back under control, any little bit will help. If it is when they go to specials that they are having problems, talk with the teacher ahead of time. Tell them you are having problems and your students may have to skip it next time if they won't behave...See MoreMelissa,

Now is a time to reflect... but don't give up! While it may be hard to get things back under control, any little bit will help. If it is when they go to specials that they are having problems, talk with the teacher ahead of time. Tell them you are having problems and your students may have to skip it next time if they won't behave.

Warn the principal about what is going on. They need to know that you didn't just 'forget' but have a very good reason for denying the kids. Just think, if the kids are a handful going to art, how do you think they behave when they get to art? (or p.e. or whatever)

I agree it might be a good idea to have the principal come talk to them if it turns out they can't handle walking from one room to the next. The principal will appreciate the fact that you are trying to hold your kids accountable.

Be prepared with something the kids can do for those 45 minutes that is totally quiet. (reading? coloring? ) Then every time you hear a peep out of them, jump on them the first time and every time and insist on quiet. Once the group settles down it is easier to deal with the individuals.

Warn the kids ahead of time what to expect. Explain that if they are disruptive going to or from somewhere, that the next time they won't get to go. Hopefully they will surprise you and behave. If not you have a plan and can carry it through. Enlist the help of others in your building. People have dealt with spring fever in the past and probably have suggestions.

Good luck! If nothing else you know that next year when spring hits, you need to tighten up on your discipline, not loosen up!

Zodea

ps... I teach high school, so if I am totally off base, I apologize

On 4/24/10, Melissa wrote: > Hi Tom, > > Thanks so much for your post. I have been a bit soft on > consistency and consequences lately. I think, for most of the > year, I was very strict and firm with classroom expectations. > The students were quiet most of the time and followed > directions. But, they were bored. I've livened things up a bit, > including more engaging lessons and let up a bit on being "the > strict teacher." I do have classroom community discussions with > them and they generally do want to do what's best for the class. > They are good kids who just get hyper and off-task, usually > because they are tired and want summer to come. (We've been in > test prep mode for a long time and state testing is next week). > > In the morning, they are usually well-behaved. I do have some > discipline problems, but not too many. Then, when we walk in a > line to PE or music, they are all over the place, talking, > laughing, getting rowdy. It's usually because they've had to sit > quietly for an hour previously and they need to "let loose." I > haven't been as consistent with having them be in a straight, > quiet line. Maybe I don't believe it's necessary. > > I will try your suggestions. Thank you so much. I do hope it > gets better. I really care about these children and do not like > getting frustrated with them when they are hyper and out of > control. > > On 4/24/10, Tom wrote: >> Melissa, >> >> I feel for you -- watching a group devolve into chaos must be >> really unsettling. >> >> As for suggestions, you have many options, but all of them >> revolve around your renewed assertiveness as The Leader. My >> personal style is to build concensus and community, creating >> an environment in which all students want to "behave" as they >> appreciate the importance of doing so. This model is built >> around mutual respect -- yours for them, theirs for you, and >> theirs for each other. If you want to know more about how I >> do this, go to: [link removed].

Apr 25, 2010

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Ana Feel the same way at times. Work with SDC Freshmen and I have had to find new techniques. That's the key for me; be innovative and creative as much as possible.

Apr 26, 2010

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Liz I believe that by rewarding good behavior, the students will want to behave. When I was in fourth grade, my teacher had the students sit in tables of four students. She used to have a jar of marbles at the center of each table. If the students did something good she would add marbles to the jar at the table that the student sat in, but if they did ...See More

Apr 26, 2010

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pixie Melissa, I totally understand the helpless feeling you are describing. The previous posters have been giving you great advice, but have you checked out Dr. Fred Jones' Tools for Teaching website? There are a bunch of his archived columns (excerpts from his book)that were published in Education World magazine available for free on the site. He addre...See More

Apr 27, 2010

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