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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Low level behaviour problems...

16 replies

emsmum79 · 03/11/2017 19:17

...are doing my head in! One class of constant chat from a few kids, faffing around, little effort. I've been a teacher for 11 years and suddenly don't know how to manage these little twerps.

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Cynderella · 03/11/2017 20:11

Unfortunately, there isn't a magic answer, but I find having very few rules, but zero tolerance of breaking them works. For example, I teach some kids who will call out or interrupt, and although I check them, I genuinely think they struggle to stop themselves. If they're not actually contributing to the discussion, then they're warned that they're out of order. Talking while I'm talking or if someone else is talking, likewise.

We have a two warning system, and they're removed on the third offence, so most are compliant after the first warning. Most of the kids I teach are fine, but I have a few who can be difficult if something has set them off the lesson before. Could you set up this arrangement with your HoD if management won't support you?

For lack of effort, I draw a line along the margin with a highlighter. If they don't get down to the end of the line, it's done in break or lunch. Similarly, if they write rubbish, they can come back and write it again. Be sure to tackle those who sit quietly and do nothing, as well as those who are more vocal.

With my noisy 11s, I find periods of working in total silence is easier to manage than allowing any talk at all. Seating plans and detentions essential. They will get the message.

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BamburyFuriou3 · 03/11/2017 20:15

If you're an experienced teacher, and all the usual stuff doesn't work (plus a few extra you might have tried) personally I would ask the HOD if there is any chance of shifting a key student or 2 into a parallel class for a bit, cracking down hard on the others, then reintroduce them when you've nailed it. That's worked for me in the past. Sometimes I've had to supply "cover work" for the shifted students if on a different rotation topic, but as a short term measure....

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BamburyFuriou3 · 03/11/2017 20:22

Oh and I assume you've contacted home?

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emsmum79 · 03/11/2017 20:39

Thanks, I just needed an end of week rant! Management are utterly hopeless - not interested if it's not a parent or paperwork.

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BamburyFuriou3 · 03/11/2017 20:43

Ah. So really it's a management problem. You have my sympathies

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emsmum79 · 03/11/2017 21:01

No detentions - the poor wee lambs have human rights, don't you know.
It's a bit of a posh school where teachers work for the pupils, and personal responsibility isn't really stressed. I've been there for 10 years and I love it, just feeling annoyed by continual pressure from management but no real backing from them.

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BamburyFuriou3 · 03/11/2017 21:13

Sounds like my old school...... Ah well, it's the weekend

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emsmum79 · 03/11/2017 21:27

BamburyFuriou3, it's for me!

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MatchsticksForMyEyes · 03/11/2017 21:29

What year is it? I used class dojo last year with bottom set Y8 and it really motivated them and meant I could actually teach.

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emsmum79 · 03/11/2017 21:46

S3 (scotland) so they are about 14. What's class dojo?

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BamburyFuriou3 · 03/11/2017 21:54

Class dojo is whaty dd1's class use (yr2 so age6!) Do you really use it in secondary?

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Rachie1986 · 03/11/2017 21:58

I used class dojo with Yr 8 low ability before with good success.
Give it a Google and see what you think x

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Cynderella · 03/11/2017 23:28

You need back up and meaningful sanctions. I have a naughty boy on point of exclusion in one of my bottom sets (I am blessed with two). Y10, so 14/15. He told me that he misbehaves because it's boring otherwise. Because I'm non-negotiable, but nice to him, he complies. I have had similar students in the past where I have not been able to make that connection. Some you win, some you lose.

If management are rubbish, will your HoD or colleagues support? And if not detentions for lack of effort, what?

And, yes, contact parents. If they're not supportive, nothing you can do, but most will want the best for their children and support you.

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echt · 04/11/2017 02:52

I only ever give detentions for behaviour issues, and only ever on Friday after school. I do not fuck about, and make sure it's a significant time, no matter what. If pupils tit about, I make this point. It serves to sort out the marginal nitwits, who soon fall into line, from hardcore loons.

Having said that, at my school, if a student fails to turn up to a subject detention twice, they are automatically and without question booted to HOY level. From there they go to SLT, where they find themelves in DT at 7.30.a.m.

I suppose what I'm saying is the system has our backs.

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MatchsticksForMyEyes · 04/11/2017 08:57

Yes I really have used it in secondary. I used to take photos of good work and post it on the news feed of the app for parents to see. Kids wanted their work on there, parent feedback was good. I have Y11s who still like stickers or stamps. I don't think you can underestimate how much even a small amount of praise/recognition motivates pupils of any age.