Challenging 9th grade academy students

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Permalink Reply by Danette Grossnickle on March 1, 2010 at 6:11am

Hi Joanna!

Welcome to the world of education. I've been in your shoes before. It is challenging when a class gets along so well together that their plans overrule your plans. I empathize with you.

Every teacher will tell you that in their first few years of teaching their character was built, just as much as their lesson plans and techniques. When you are facing a challenge, your character is built. You are on the verge of becoming the kind of teacher that you want to be. It is exhausting, yet exhillerating at the same time. May I share with you my story I accidentally discovered about attention?

I noticed when I was a new teacher that I paid attention to the students who were misbehaving. It drove me crazy. I thought they would listen to my redirection, but they didn't. I went to an older teacher to get some help. I also talked to my principal and sought out his advice. They both told me the same thing. That my attention should be focused on the goals of the class.

Just from the little bit you have shared it sounds like the student's behaviors are getting your attention. To use the words of my mentors - "Your attention is powerful. Your attention is VERY POWERFUL!!! " The students know this. They are seemingly working against you because your powerful attention is actually with them. I would like to share with you a different perspective.

What if you came in the classroom the next day and rewarded the students who are doing exactly what you asked them to do. WOW!! Now, your powerful attention is something that is yet to be attained by the others. It will catch on!! Stick with it and use it often.

I work with the seventh and eighth grade, and they talk while I am teaching too! It happens to the best of us !!!~
My typical respnse to them is to interject WITH THE SAME, CALM TONE OF VOICE , " Let's do current events later." Then I go right back into my instruction.
I also try not to look them directly in the eye because, they feel very challenged by that. I just turn toward the class and speak.

Another idea you could try is to surprise them with praise when they are doing something that you want them to do.

Once again your attention is powerful. Find a way to use it to your advantage!! I will be thinking of you. Hang in there.

Permalink Reply by J on March 3, 2010 at 7:47am

Thanks for the advice. I guess I must be really focused on their misbehavior which I didn't realize until you responded. For the students that acted up and all of a sudden from no where followed my directions or did what I had expected them to do I did praised them. I also used calm tone of voice but maybe I do need to do it more often.

Its a great challenge however I must agree that the attention is powerful. There was one instance that I said something and the whole just stop talking while I was teaching but that happened once in a blue moon. I do need to reward them which I will think creatively in what way. Thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Danette Grossnickle on March 3, 2010 at 12:40pm

Joanna-
So glad to hear this is working for you.