A major struggle in my classroom is striking a balance between being fair and being consistent. I have a set of rules but can I honestly be expected to enforce them all, 100% of the time? The kids eat a little candy, somebody keeps tapping on the desk, another one is secretly texting on their phone and all this while the two or three knuckleheads in the back corner continue to chat and giggle long after the 10th time I've politely asked them to be quiet so I can hear myself think.
My inexperience is showing and I know it. I want to be friendly because that's just the type of person I am, but I have to let them know that I'm won't tolerate certain behavior. I think some of the kids believe I'm all talk with nothing to back it up with. Somebody told me to make an example of just one of them and see what a difference it makes.
On a lighter note, I've been interweaving some geography and history into my lessons. It's good to break up the grammar and vocab with stuff like this, plus I enjoy these types of subjects. So if I can get even one kid thinking about something new and interesting for that day, then it makes the hardships partially worth while.
Blog posted by September writer Charles Detmar, spanish teacher Glenn High School in Kernersville
3 comments:
Have you tried making one of the potentially disruptive kids move to a different seat? It's not permanent, but it does work for a while. They might be mad at you, but they'll forget about it by the next day and the other kids in the class will repect you more. Also, it doesn't hurt at all to call a parent. I've had a couple be havior problems already and calling the parents brought a new kid in my classroom the next day. And the really cool thing is the kids seem to trust you because you show you care and came through on your word. Crazy, huh?
Pues, buenas suerte con ensenando espanol con historias! Yo se que yo iba a estado uno de los ninos disfrutando la diversidad de instuccion! Verbos y el grano es muy aburrido, pero necesario, por aprender el espanol.
Have a good next week!
Making an example belittles the student and may only create more problems and resentment. I am not a teacher yet, but I am working at it. As a parent I feel it is best to openly address the problem, not the child. Your first comment seems to be a good one. Separate them and call the parent if it continues.
Good Luck!
We say as teachers that you have to be hard to begin with. You can always be nicer later, but you can't be their friend. They still need to see you as the authority figure. Check with your school policy. Some say no cell phones so confiscate it and turn it in to whoever. With certain behaviors, you have to figure out which things are big enough to have to be dealt with. Try not to be so overwhelmed with little behaviors because you have to pick your battles. You can always reward times when the students are having an awesome day. Even high schoolers love some candy or a spanish-speaking movie (as long as it's in your plans.)
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