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When you can't teach the classroom due to behavior
Chelsey Cunningham
1/24/2015
Journal Entry #1
I have the pleasure of working with Mrs. Haynie at Fairmount Park Elementary School in a 2nd grade classroom. Her classroom walls are covered in colorful motivational and educational posters. A bulletin board that explains the lesson, in large word, hangs in the front. Big tubs, small tubs, all sized plastic tubs are scattered about that store a multitude of crafts and classroom essentials like: markers, pens, crayons, shapes, and stickers, ect. . Numbers and letters line the whiteboard and there are color-coded plastic tubs full of books at every students desk. There are bookshelves in every corner with a large reading center in the classroom. There is also a circle center mat where the kids sit to hear the teacher read stories. The students’ desks are carefully placed around the center of the classroom in a specific order. I noticed that the desks were zip-tied to one another to prevent the desks from moving- and this struck me as odd. Mrs. Haynie then presumed to inform me that her kids don’t respect the concept of staying in their own seats. She warned me they were all going to be upset over the zip-ties.
As the children all got into the classroom after the bell rang I observed that a large majority of the class was African American. There was only one boy who was of Hispanic culture and more than half the classroom consisted of males and a handful of females. The children were all very rambunctious when they entered the classroom, running all over the place, creating a very loud and uncontrolled atmosphere. It was very hard for Mrs. Haynie to get the kids to sit down in their seats and be quite- she had to scream continuously. As soon as the children realized their desks were rearranged and zip-tied, pandemonium broke out. The student teacher interaction was upsetting for me to see, I could tell the majority of the classroom had no respect for what their teacher was trying to say, teach, or do. Most would just talk back in a very disrespectful manner. It took about 30 minutes for Mrs. Haynie to get most the kids to sit in their new assigned seats and calm down. But, even then there were a handful of students who refused to abide by anything she said. They would walk around the classroom and bother other students listening to directions, get on the computers, or try to use the bathroom. Mrs. Haynie used a point and color system for behavior; she would take away and give points to students. Colors were used as well to determine what level of behavior they were at. If students got a certain amount of points they would be rewarded with lunch in the classroom or treats. If their points were deducted or if given a specific color then parents would be notified. Most children were threatened with a text or call to mom and dad right then and there on Mr. Haynies cell phone. Mrs. Haynie calling any parent from her cell phone was the only way most kids would listen.
It seemed as if most students really needed to release some energy once entering the classroom. I would try to incorporate having a 10-15 minute class starter that involved students doing some morning stretches to some music. I would put on music that was appropriate but also something my kids could culturally connect with. I would teach them the routine stretches we would do at the beginning of class every morning. This could be something they can look forward to and it would set a routine they could follow. It can also act as an energy release for them before their day starts. Giving a different student the chance to create an appropriate stretch or dance based off behavior I feel could also help greatly.
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Solution 1
Posted February 26, 2018 3:01 am |
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I would definitely suggesting incorporating more activities where the students get up and move around. I have seen classrooms where the students don't respect the teacher and one of the best solutions is a structured routine. A routine that also allows for students to get up, move around, and have small group time with the teacher so they can get the attention they need. If this continues, I would consider asking your adviser for their advice on how to handle this situation professionally. |
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Routines are very helpful, especially if you also have students with special needs in your classroom. It helps everyone to know what to expect and be used to a routine. This is why the first test you give students can earn a lower score than normal. |
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Posted on: March 3, 2019 8:44 pm
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Solution 2
Posted October 7, 2018 12:44 pm |
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Incorporating more activities involving motion would definitely help. Using motion as a way to teach lesson content might also help the students engage with the teaching. |
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Activities that involve motion and little breaks will help students get their restlessness out so that they can continue focusing. Maybe offering more free time for good behavior can be helpful too! |
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Posted on: March 3, 2019 8:45 pm
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Solution 3
Posted February 20, 2019 12:43 am |
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It seems like the classroom management plan needs to be revamped. The students seem to have crazy amounts of energy and need some sort of routine so they know what they are doing at all times of the day everyday. The current plan for managing the students and their behaviors doesn't seem to be working in this situation. The teacher should try different management strategies to find what works best with this group of students and then implement that strategy into the classroom management plan permanently. |
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| Comments posted for this solution |
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Routines are helpful for everyone so they know what to expect. Sometimes this will lower some students' anxiety and restlessness. There will be a sense of calm and understanding of classroom procedures. |
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Posted on: March 3, 2019 8:46 pm
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Solution 4
Posted February 23, 2019 10:07 pm |
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In this type of classroom setting, it is extremely important to have a set routine as well as a well-managed classroom management plan. If Mrs. Haynie had a set routine that the students had been following since the very first day of school, she may have better control over the students because they would know exactly what to do when they enter the classroom. Another great strategy would be to have set rules and consequences and follow through with the consequences if any of the students break any of the rules. It seems as though this particular class would highly benefit from having different activities in which they are able to get up out of their seats and move about to release some of their energy. All students have different learning styles, but it is important to utilize kinesthetic learning especially for younger students who cannot seem to stay in their seats. |
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| Comments posted for this solution |
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Making sure the teacher follows up on behaviors after reviewing rules and procedures will show students that you keep your word and that they should expect a consequence for their behavior. You must not let your students step all over you. You can be their friend but most importantly you are their teacher and want to teach them what they are there for. Incoporating a set schedule and fun activities will be helpful for energy level in the classroom. |
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Posted on: March 3, 2019 8:48 pm
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Solution 5
Posted February 25, 2019 4:00 am |
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Brain breaks are great for students who need to move around! Give them incentives like "15 min of work time will get you 5 min of brain break". Use a video or something that gets students out of their seat but is interesting and engaging (GoNoodle is great for this). Also never underestimate the importance of building a relationship with students. I would try to pick out the most defiant and behavioral children and focus on them. Getting them in line will convince the others to follow. Pulling them aside and being genuine with them is great. Perhaps start the class on the carpet and have students share one thing about their morning or week/ weekend that has been on their mind (not required to say anything if too shy). This builds classroom community. If students have no connection to the teacher, and she/he is screaming at them all day, they will not be motivated to listen to what they have to say! |
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Many teachers tend to give up on the more disruptive students because of their misbehavior. This is understandable but also as a teacher you must interact with and try to create some sort of teacher student connection. |
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Posted on: March 3, 2019 8:50 pm
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Solution 6
Posted October 11, 2019 11:17 pm |
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It sounds like she may need to try different classroom management strategies or reward systems. Maybe taking the time to schedule brain breaks may help. |
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Solution 7
Posted February 21, 2019 3:30 pm |
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This situation sounds like that teacher does not have a well structured and followed through classroom management plan. It is extremely important that in your classroom you have a plan in place and that the teacher follows through with this plan every day. Also, the teacher needs to keep in mind that they are the role model for their students. If the teacher shows respect to the students, then more than likely the students will show respect to the teacher. |
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