Comments on: Stopping Problems Before They Get Inside the Classroom

By: Malik

Malik — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:14:55 +0000

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.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 14:50:58 +0000

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.

By: Hank

Hank — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:47:25 +0000

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.

By: michele

michele — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:08:27 +0000

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

By: Patty Clayton

Patty Clayton — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:43:43 +0000

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