Humor

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Classroom Discipline Chatboard

Humor

by Jenny

Jul 9, 2010

I am looking for a way to incorporate humor into my discipline. Not for major things, but for the everyday little behavior disruptions. I think I would be a lot happier along with the kids if I could get my point across but with a bit of humor. Do you have any suggestions for things to say? Like when kids are talking, horsing around, etc. I know this is kind of a stupid request, but my automatic response to things is the fight or flight response. I immediately go for the DON'T, STOP, QUIT, ETC. It makes me angry, when all these little things shouldn't. Please give me any suggestions, I need some humor to balance my discipline.

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Mshope I like these "Love and Logic" statements. One I use a lot is, "Can you save that for Mr. Stone's class? Thanks!" Mr. Stone is another teacher on my team who is funny and the kids always laugh at that. He does things I wouldn't do in class. For example, if a student is tapping he pencil, he'll toss it out the window without pausing!

If a s...See MoreI like these "Love and Logic" statements. One I use a lot is, "Can you save that for Mr. Stone's class? Thanks!" Mr. Stone is another teacher on my team who is funny and the kids always laugh at that. He does things I wouldn't do in class. For example, if a student is tapping he pencil, he'll toss it out the window without pausing!

If a student is trying to get the discussion off-topic and won't be redirected, I'll say, "Hey, let's talk about this at 3:15pm! (dismissal) I'll write your name up here so I won't forget about our appointment." (You must have a wise guy who actually shows up to discuss this. Fine. I'll talk to them while doing my hall duty." If they stop, I erase his or her name from the board. They get the point not to try to waste class time.

If students are arguing and it is getting heated, I might say, "Come on, beat him up after school! We're talking about poetry right now." Then, later I'll say, "You know that I am just joking. What was the problem?" Another thing I might say is, "Do you need a bodyguard?" Really, anything slightly funny and distracting gets them back on track and calms down the class.

I found the list below on the L and L website years ago. I copied it into a word document, printed it, and keep it on my clipboard. The trick is to say things in a neutral way not in a confrontational manner. Hope it helps!

LOVE & LOGIC ONE-LINERS Making them think What do you think? What do you think I think? You might not want your friends to hear what I have to say - let's talk about this later. I make bad decisions when I'm angry, so I'm going to cool off and then tell you my decision.

Redirecting behavior What might happen if you keep doing that? Just because I like you, should I let you get away with t hat? Where could you do that and not get in trouble? Could you save that for Mr. Bell’s class? Thanks! Would you be willing to … ? How much longer do you think you’ll do that?

Arguing & Noncompliance That could be. Probably so. This sounds like an argument. I will be happy to let you continue this at one of the set times. Which one would be best for you? Did I ask in a nice way?

Loud voices, tirades, etc. Do you think I listen better when people are talking to me in a quiet or loud voice? Do you think I listen better when people are calm or agitated?

Promoting independence Are you sure you need to ask me that? (“Teacher, can I have a piece of tape?”) What do you think you will do? (“Teacher, I don’t have a pencil…”) Would you like to hear what some other kids have tried?

Jul 9, 2010

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Sara Great question. I agree that humor goes a long way in the classroom - not just in managing it but it lightening it as well. People tend to like humor and kids look forward to classes taught by teachers with a sense of humor.

When I first started teaching, I had a temper - I had to learn to control that. You'll find it easier I think to sto...See MoreGreat question. I agree that humor goes a long way in the classroom - not just in managing it but it lightening it as well. People tend to like humor and kids look forward to classes taught by teachers with a sense of humor.

When I first started teaching, I had a temper - I had to learn to control that. You'll find it easier I think to stop saying "Stop, Quit, Etc." then I found it to control my temper.

Make yourself a rule - don't say it. And Definitely don't say it with an edge unless something unsafe is happening. When it's unsafe, I speak sharply and if it's very unsafe, I can speak with anger as well as urgency.

But other than that, I keep the edge out of my voice. A "what are you doing now?" said in a weary tone can make them smile and stop both.

I'd advise you to take an acting class and I'm not kidding. Of course observe other teachers whose management style you admire and incorporate their mannerisms. But an acting class helps you to act like you want to act.

And telling yourself - don't take any of this personally. They are kids and acting like kids - it's not about me and my needs, it's about them and their needs.

Say outloud to those acting up or to the entire class "Listen, this year I want to speak less sharply but accomplish more. I'd like this class to have a sense of humor not an edge. Let's work together to have this class be one with a sense of humor not an edge. I'm here to guide you and I want to guide you with warm regard and stop chiding you with frustration. That's my goal for myself and this class too. What do you think? Can you join me in that?" > I am looking for a way to incorporate humor into my > discipline. Not for major things, but for the everyday > little behavior disruptions. I think I would be a lot > happier along with the kids if I could get my point across > but with a bit of humor. Do you have any suggestions for > things to say? Like when kids are talking, horsing around, > etc. I know this is kind of a stupid request, but my > automatic response to things is the fight or flight > response. I immediately go for the DON'T, STOP, QUIT, ETC. > It makes me angry, when all these little things shouldn't. > Please give me any suggestions, I need some humor to > balance my discipline.

Jul 11, 2010

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sportsmama Great question! Incoming freshman at my hs tend to act out the worst - first time in hs, seeing the end of the road, etc. When they would act out or disrupt the class, they were calling for attention so I obliged for a few seconds then used humor. For example, when they started singing (not real loud but loud enough), I and the whole class would li...See More

Jul 12, 2010

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Teri My response to the spontaneous singing is "This isn't American Idol"

On 7/12/10, sportsmama wrote: > Great question! Incoming freshman at my hs tend to act out the > worst - first time in hs, seeing the end of the road, etc. When > they would act out or disrupt the class, they were calling for > attention so I obliged for a fe...See More

Jul 12, 2010

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Steve On 7/09/10, Jenny wrote: > I am looking for a way to incorporate humor into my > discipline. Not for major things, but for the everyday > little behavior disruptions.

If you choose to use humor, remember the famous saying, "If you can't take the heat, don't tickle the dragon." Humor is a wonderful tool, but it can lead to a break...See More

Jul 13, 2010

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