Stopping Problems Before They Get Inside the Classroom
ByTeaching should not be the running of the bulls.
Too often teachers let students into the ring (classroom) anyway they want to enter, and then try to get control of these raging bulls after the bell rings.
So in they come–energetic, wild, frenzied, talkative, distracted.
It is better to head them off at the pass. This means, you stand at your doorway, and monitor every student as they approach the door. Let’s make this a step by step process.
1. Watch the student as they approach: Do they have their materials? Do they look calm and focused? Do they look serious about starting some academic business? Does any of their non-verbal communication look like they may be disruptive? If everything looks okay, proceed to Step 2:
2. Briefly stop each student and explain exactly what you expect of them as they enter–to enter the classroom quietly, politely, and in an orderly manner, to go directly to their assigned seat without talking, to take out their materials and begin working immediately on the assignment on the board.
3. Step 3 here is what separates the pros from the amateurs. The amateur settles for having explained this to the student. The pro adds the following to step 2: Make sure they make eye contact with you when you are explaining. If they become disrespectful tell them to stand aside while you let the other students enter. Ask them if they understand–have them look at you when they say ‘Yes’. Do not settle for a quick nod when all of the non-verbal communication says ‘I’m going back to full speed as soon as I enter the room.’ Slow them down emotionally if they are hyped up by having them take a deep breath and wait at the door until they are ready to enter.
If students start to pile up at the door, let the ones in who look the most ready to enter calmly. All will observe your attitude if you are talking to one student about what you expect, and realize you are serious about classroom management.
A concept that I constantly try to get across to teachers when it comes to classroom discipline is the importance of non-verbal communication. As teachers we can often think it’s the words that count–so if the student says they are ready for class we let them in. I wait until everything about the student’s body language, breathing, and non-verbal communication is respectful and indicates that they are ready to enter class in an orderly manner.
Otherwise I tell them to stand aside, breathe deeply, and get their act together before entering.
When each individual student has been instructed to go quietly to their seat in an orderly manner, your whole class will start out with the correct atmosphere and anyone not complying will ’stick out’, making it easier to pinpoint your next discipline step.
If, by chance, someone slips by and begins talking or disrupting, call them back to the door. Have them try again. And again, if necessary. This sends a tremendously strong message to the student and the class–your standards for behavior are high and must be complied with.
In fact, sometimes I have on the first day of school called the whole class out again to practice going to their seats properly.
If you want to be a pro at this you will ignore complaints and have them practice as many times as it takes until they enter as you would like. That’s a strong message about your standards right from the get-go.
As teachers we want to spend all of our time teaching, not disciplining. This kind of technique is what will get you there.
Craig,
I have tried all your strategies and internalized your philosophy, which was not too hard, since I believe it myself, starting from September. This one on stopping problems nefore they start, is where it all starts. And of course all the other rukes and strategies are true.
My principal gave me a glowing evaluation,recently, whereas at the end of last year, he said ” you are a good teacher but a you need a bit of work on the classroom management.”
Thank you for all the advice.
I am scared to death to try this with my students this next semester. They have gotten away with murder this last half-year. We start a new semester on Monday (2 days). I have most of the same kids. The administration already knows that my classrooms are out of control. I’m teaching high school chemistry (or trying to) in a very small charter school. If I actually do this, we may not have any class at all.
I have been subbing at the high school level for the past several months. I have read Craig’s book and like many of the ideas presented. As short term subs,however, we are somewhat limited in using many of the techniques Craig describes. One thing I have done that works is if the class is starting to get talkative beyond my comfort level, I stop everything and say that I would like to share a story about “this teacher in LA” who has virtually no discipline problems in his class. Students love stories and always inquire as to how he does it. I give them a quick 3 minute outline of many of Craig’s philosophies. Many get the point and I ususally see immediate improvement. This is especially efeective if I am subbing for several days in a row. Another technique I use is that if there are one or two who just won’t settle down and are being disruptive, I will immediately walk to the farthest corner of the room and by looking at the seating chart, I will politely, but firmly, call out their names and ask them to come over to me. Once in my presense, I tell them that they are being disruptive, that I will not tolerate any more disruptions, and then ask if they understand what is expected of them. After looking me in the eye and getting the answer that I want, I then ask them to reatake their seat(s). The key here is that the rest of the class see’s this, remember, they had to get up and walk over to the spot farthest from their desks, so there is a really good chance that this action by the “sub” did not go unnoticed. Give it a try. I should help.
I would like to implement your strategies on the first day. I will have a problem though, if I have a defiant student because I won’t be able to send them out on the first day. I can give them a lunch detention for the next day (however I feel that I am punishing myself as well). Any suggestions will be appreciated and considered. Thanks.
Michele
I taught at a Title 1 school last year- second grade. What a great idea to start off the year in the right direction. I will not breathe heavy sighs when they all get into the room like last year. I have switched school districts this year and will definitely try this on right off the bat. Thank you so much.
Patty