How do you approach/deal with a teacher who shouts to get the classes attention?

[ShoutyStyle]

I have a child who is displaying signs of emotional immaturity, neuro-diversity etc. They are in the process of being assessed/receiving EHCP. We are getting them to school but not in every lesson. Several teachers are very shouty and this destroys their confidence. They are not being shouted at - the class is, but from a sensory and emotional point of view they can’t stand it. SENCO/pastoral care are helping but as a parent would you raise any issues directly with the teachers to help them understand how their shouting is undermining all the work we are doing to get our child into school/lessons? I am obviously and clearly biased but could do with an unemotional response as to how I can help to resolve this. They actually went into school ok today but have come home very upset and now not wanting to go in tomorrow. An adult would not stand being shouted at in the workplace - why do children have to endure this? Please be kind as I am very upset and just want a happy child to go into school as best they can without being afraid of their teachers.

Are they shout at students or raising their voice and saying something like “Year 7, I need quiet on 3. 3, 2, 1”

I assume from what you say about several teachers that your child is secondary rather than primary.

In a secondary classroom the teacher is going to have to speak loudly at times to cut through the noise of students talking and direct the class.

At what sort of noise level does your DC get upset? Are we talking full on teacher shouting at class at top of voice?

Most students who have this issue wear ear defenders.

It's not really possible to get all teachers in a secondary to not shout.

Many teachers use a firm loud voice. This is not shouting. Some children will interpret this as shouting. I think shouting was more common but I can honestly say I have hardly ever heard a member of staff shout at a class and I work in a very standard comp. Your child may well react to the teacher using a firm, loud voice. However it is generally the case that this assertive tone is necessary in the classroom from time to time.

I think you have to ask for an email to go around all your child's teachers, and for the situation to be explained - this is not unusual, we get emails like this about certain children all the time.

I would much rather know a child is getting upset, and make sure I avoid upsetting them. If you don't know, you are going to raise your voice occasionally - it isn't angry shouting, but in a busy classroom you may need to in order to be heard, bringing a noisy activity to a close, or something.

If I am told a child is particularly sensitive to this, I warn them first, and reassure them I am not angry with them, or anyone, and if necessary, they can stand outside the door for a few moments.

During science practices, teachers need to raise their voice above 32 students performing practical work. If rooms aren't carpeted, sounds can bounce. A couple of our students wear noise reducing ring thingies in their ears. Ask the SENCO about these.

You try getting the attention of 30+ rowdy children and not shouting/raising your voice!
Or would it be preferable for them to use an instrument. One uses a bell and the other a tambourine. Both equally if not louder than shouting. Maybe your child could wear ear defenders?

Oh if I had money for every time a child has claimed I shouted when I used a raised voice to cut through the noise, I'd be a billionaire!!

Noise reducing earplugs are what your child needs.

Buy your child ear defenders or those loop ear plugs

An adult would not stand being shouted at in the workplace - why do children have to endure this?

This isn’t really a fair comparison is it? In a workplace there won’t be 30 odd people all talking at once, with half of them straight up ignoring the senior member of staff trying to talk to them. The type of behaviour found in many classrooms won’t happen in the workplace because an employer would just get rid of the disruptive employees, the teacher doesn’t have that option.

An adult would not stand being shouted at in the workplace

I'm hoping adults don't do things like climb on desks, throw stuff or talk over each other and the person in charge.

I try not to shout at my class when I can see they're making an effort. I'm really quiet most of the time. Sometimes, as a class they just need a much firmer, stronger tone. I think it's an issue that will be hard to deal with.

Well, SENCO are raising the shouting issue with the Head of the subjects as they don’t think it’s acceptable. It’s an ongoing issue. Ear plugs may help and I will look into this. Head defenders will draw attention to them which they don’t want. Yes it’s high school. Firm voice is fine. The suggestion re another an email from school (and not me) about sensitivities is on I will follow up
on. I understand about rowdy classes/asserting authority etc but they are now refusing to go back in, and these teachers have already had the heads up about sensitivity issues.

I commented before seeing the last few points. Absolutely fair comment re students jumping in tables/throwing things/all talking at once and over the teacher. I can see how a teacher would shout re this. I need to sort out a plan for my child don’t I if this is going to happen? An earlier posters suggests re telling a child what is going to happen is good. They can use their time out pass to get out of the class before it happens.

How do you think they can get the attention of 30 loud teenagers who arent listening, talking all at once, laughing, shouting out etc if they cant raise their voice louder than the kids? Honestly, what do you suggest they do? Please list your alternative approaches to this as I genuinely want to know what you think they could do instead?

Hi OP. Really sorry to hear that your child is experiencing difficulties at school ♥️. Its good that you're seeking advice from the SENCO/pastoral care team. Hopefully they can even provide some additional strategies or interventions.

We had to go and speak to the head of a local school because all day everyday one teacher was screaming his lungs out, it was the talk of the street and he was the only one we could hear and we could hear him allll bloody day. And ok we have old sash windows but we could even hear him with the windows closed.

Its hard going being a teacher and shouting is fairly normal, especially in state schools so it may be about finding a bit of balance. While excessive shouting is unnecessary, teachers sometimes have to raise their voices to manage a crowded and noisy classroom effectively.

Could you request a meeting? If you ask for a meeting with the teachers involved to discuss your concerns, you'll have an opportunity for open communication and can address the impact the shouting is having on your child's wellbeing. Perhaps discuss whether it would be helpful for your child to have a Timeout option when they feel overwhelmed, where they can be day close to the door and quietly take themselves out of the room to sit on a chair and return without any attention placed on them by the teacher. Another option could be providing earplugs for your child to help reduce the noise levels, they could also have seating at the back of the room only.

In building a collaborative relationship with the teachers itcan really help create a more supportive environment for your child, and you can break down some of the barriers there and feel comfortable in communicating with them in the future.

My child isn’t a teenager. I’m not a teacher. I am a professional person who doesn’t shout at anyone. I would suggest shouting doesn’t help if it negatively affects someone’s mental health. But @Iwant2beJessicaFletcher you think shouting helps?

There is a mile of difference between a teacher projecting their voice firmly and one who is bellowing/shrieking/losing control/using their voice to intimidate and actually hurt pupils. I've worked in places where the latter has been accepted as 'how else will they ever listen?' and they've been shit for staff and kids alike - and I've worked in places where the former has happened, which is far nicer for all concerned.

It doesn't just upset neurodiverse kids, it adds to the trauma of those who have experienced abuse or who have hearing issues. And other staff, too - it's not just noise, it's a physical sensation that can cause actual pain to have the sound waves hitting your face, thumping you in your chest so you feel it through your ribs, causing damage to hearing. And it's stressful, to the point of feeling under physical and mental attack.

The only time a true shout is acceptable is when somebody is about to literally immolate or defenestrate themselves or somebody else or step out in front of a speeding van. Or if they're a PE teacher the other side of the running track, although then it pisses off the residents even more than the whistles (not as much as the blasted bleep testing in the playground, but fortunately, that's usually only twice per half term).

@YOURGUNWINLOTTERYBOI thank you. It is definitely a collaborative approach and we definitely are supported by SENCO which is amazing. It’s just all our hard work is wiped out by a few bad lessons whenever but of foresight and understanding would go a long way. I’m going to read your post in more details after I gave sorted tea as there were some good suggestions in it to help us. Thank you.

I was a teacher and my ND Dd attended the school l worked in. She felt like this. But as l knew the people concerned it was easier to understand what was scaring her.

Not all loud voices. It was generally the ‘ brisker’ less flexible teachers that she called shouty. They didn’t all have loud voices. It wa a teaching style. Thev’shoutiest’ teacher drove her to drop out. She didn’t really shout, but was very brisk and brusque.

I agree with the above. I teach adults. Sometimes I have to shout to get their attention and they are adults.

I have 2 autistic children so I’m not at all unsympathetic to your DDs plight but I’m not sure that you will ever get perfection on this one. I would still mention it. Our DS is in a smaller SN class because he cannot cope with the hustle and bustle of mainstream.

I admire your proactive involvement.

Honestly, it seems like you are taking all the appropriate steps. I would suggest arranging a meeting with the teachers as well. Your ultimate objective is to ensure your child feels secure, supported, and happy in their school environment so you don't want to go in all guns blazing. As a PP said in approaching it with a collaborative spirit with the teachers, you can work together with them to come to a solution that works best for you all. God Bless you both.

Thank you, we are definitely working with the school and I can honestly say we have been amazed by the SENCo/Pastoral input to help. I can fully understand how difficult teaching is but for my child to come in tears after a lesson, and to face a follow up support call as to how to manage tomorrow morning after all our hard work is heartbreaking. These teachers are aware of the issues but still allow this to happen. Thankfully we are being supported in a complaint to the relevant heads of subjects/years but that doesn’t help us trying to calm our child and get him in Tomorrow. I’ll leave the relevant teams to deal and see what happens. Thank goodness we do have support, and they know we are doing what we can.

I used to whack a hammer on the desk when they were really noisy. Saved my voice.

Yes, I need to remember this is a main stream high school and my child needs to adapt but is struggling. Teachers need to manage a whole host of issues and pupils. It’s so tough for teachers and pupils.

😂

No, it doesn't. However, as you say, you are not a teacher, and probably have no idea of the reality of the classroom.