You got off to a great start to your school year. Your students were respectful and well behaved. You started actually teaching content and meeting the standards. You were feeling confident that you might even be a rock star teacher.
And then reality set in.
There was a side conversation here, a set of rolled eyes there. One student bravely challenged you, another blurts out silly answers. Your call for attention is ignored.
The honeymoon is over.
Students are getting comfortable, and their true characteristics have started to appear. No, they are not demons, but they are people with different personalities. Those personalities have started to assert themselves, sometimes in annoying and disruptive ways.
This is the time to recognize those student behaviors and address them. You can’t wait for all the little disrespectful comments or incessant talking to disappear on its own. If ignored, the problems will likely grow worse.
What’s a teacher to do?
We’ve got a few suggestions. Consider some or all of the following:
Discuss Expectations.
If you haven’t already done so, have a class discussion about expectations. What do you expect from them? What do they expect from each other? From themselves? It is a good idea to talk about why we have particular expectations; people are more motivated when they know the reasons behind rules. A student may not discontinue a negative behavior when the reason is “because I said so” but might because another student shares that he wants to learn so he can get a good job and support his family. Consider creating a rights and responsibilities chart.
Create a seating chart.
Perhaps you already have one, but likely it was built without knowing your students. This is a good time to reevaluate. Separate the talkers. Mix the students who regularly participate throughout the room. Put students whose physical movements are distracting towards the back or sides of the room. If student desks are in large groups, divide them into smaller pods. If students protest the new chart, calmly tell them you would love to let them choose their own seats but because they weren’t making good choices you reserve the right to make their choices for them. A seating arrangement isn’t the answer to all of your problems, but it can be a start.
Look at your lessons.
Are students sitting quietly for long periods of time? Is the work challenging, engaging, and meaningful? Do students have some choices in activities, materials or how they present their work? Do students have some opportunities for social engagement and working with partners or small groups? Is there opportunity for movement? Student behaviors are likely to be more positive during active, engaging lessons.
Look for attention seeking students.
These students may wave their hands wildly in the air, not just because they know the answer, but because they want everyone to see them. They may give silly answers out of turn or make inappropriate comments aimed at the general class. The class clown is usually an attention seeker. They can be disruptive, but endearing.
Do not give in to them by answering their blurted or silly questions. Once you realize which students are demanding attention, try not giving them attention when they seek it. Find more positive ways to let them know you are aware of them. For example, you might call them by name as they enter the room and make a friendly comment. Ask them to turn the lights down for a video or pass out materials. Building relationships goes a long way with attention seekers, after all, your attention is often what they want.
Look for oppositional or defiant students.
These students are driven by many needs. Some feel threatened, others are overly anxious. Some want to manipulate others, while some are driven by a need to uphold a reputation. They may smirk, give cheeky answers, or refuse to do something. They may show little concern for other’s needs. They may be asserting their independence or demanding control. For some students, defiance has been a survival tool.
These can be tough student behaviors to handle, but you can win over an oppositional student. Do not yell, criticize them, ridicule them or berate them in front of their peers as these responses can make the situation worse. Do not threaten them or box them into a corner.
Be ready with a few stock statements. Though they are pushing your buttons, try to stay calm and speak in a soft voice. Don’t give them the fight they may be looking for.
“You can’t make me!” is followed by, “No, I can’t. You make your own choices.”
“I’m not doing that.” is followed with, “Then you earn the consequences of your choices.”
“I hate you!” is followed with, “I can see that you are angry. I’ll leave you to calm down and then we can talk in a minute.”
Try one-on-one discussions. These students are often motivated by their own goals rather than yours, so try to help them see how what you want them to do will help them reach their own goals.
Talk to them about their behaviors in ways that describe the behavior without judging. These students may think school is impersonal and unfair, if you can show them differently, they will begin to respect you.
Working with an oppositional or defiant student takes time and often some tough love. Talk to the guidance counselor, social worker, or another teacher to get some ideas for how to best work with the student.
Every teacher faces challenges in the classroom. Don’t take it personally. Continue to build a good relationships with your students because good relationships will almost always improve student behaviors.
Take care of yourself, make time to eat well and get some exercise. Get enough sleep too, because you will make better decisions when you are healthy and well rested.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to more experienced teachers for help. Find your mentor or ask a trusted colleague for advice when you need it. Some days, students try the patience of the best of teachers. You don’t have to go it alone.
Here’s to strength and confidence!
P.S. Do you want more information about preventing problematic student behaviors? Enter your name and e-mail below and we will send you our free guide to motivation and management!
Leave a Reply