Advice for taking on 'that' class next year. Dreading it

[pocketmoneytoday]

I'm Scottish so we only have 7 weeks left. I've been told I'm getting our current P3s, going into P4 (Y2-3 I think in English money).

They're frankly wild. They had a probationer last year, drove off this year's first two teachers and have had a few different supply teachers. Every time I see them coming my heart sinks.

I frankly don't want to go and observe them and I've never dreaded getting a new class this much. What do I really need to do though? I want to hit the ground running.

Do you have to do it? I'm sure lots of people can give you good strategies for dealing with this, but if you are really truly dreading it, is it worth having a conversation with the head around this, or at least leveraging some additional support? E.g. Will you have a TA?

Observing them with one of many supply teachers probably isn't helpful. Could you ask to have some cover so that you could meet with them in small groups? Maybe 10 at a time. Then you might see what makes them tick and use this to build bonds, which will help when august comes. It may also help see them as pleasant individuals (which hopefully they are!) rather than a wild mass. I did this with a tricky bunch once and it was a positive start. I still had to do the very clear routines at the start of term, but it was easier as I knew them and they knew me already.

Also, definitely do talk to SLT about your concerns. You could point out the reasons for your concerns, how teachers haven't coped this year, highlight that you like working at the school and that you want to stay but are worried that the class may make you feel differently. How well this goes down depends on their recruitment situation, your reputation, and I'm sure a bunch of other things too, but it is important that you say it.

I am the best candidate to take them out of the staff, which is a compliment. My strengths are routines and behaviour and it is what they needed. I'm experienced and know a few of the families.

HT has been very good (she knows exactly what they're like, she's been in covering herself) and I will have a permanent PSA (like hen's teeth) and extra McCrone.

I like the idea of taking them in small groups, thank you.

I agree that divide and rule is the way forward with this sort of class rather than seeing them as a bad whole. I would think very carefully about table groupings and have table based reward systems of some sort. Equally, I would be very strict on behaviour for the first few weeks to set the tone and expectations eg if they don't come in quietly from break they all go back out and line up again and again and again until they do. I would have different early work starter activities every day so they have something to come in and get on with straightaway- nothing particularly taxing but things like word searches/name as many animals that begin with t/times table practice etc. I have a class like this a couple of afternoons a week and the instant I deviate from routines they are off! I'm sorry if this sounds like teaching you to suck eggs!

No, you're thinking exactly what I am so I must be on the right track!

Yes to the seating plan and groupings. This is why I think I should go and see them as a whole as well as the small groups.

I have 'that class' this year. It is positive that you have support in class, it sounds like leadership realise the challenge.
My tip would be to look after yourself. I've got through a really challenging year by not drinking, trying to eat well and getting to bed early. If I'm tired, I just don't have the patience and struggle to be as consistent as classes like this need.

This happened to me years back when the class teacher was going through a difficult time and it was very obvious the class was going wild. Head decided to give them to me to knock them into shape!! I was absolutely dreading it. But with routine, and tight order alongside rewards and some fun stuff they were fine. I think, without knowing it , they appreciated the fact they knew what was happening. Play to your strengths and hopefully it will work out fine. Also from day one don't think of them as THAT CLASS but instead your lovely class that are going to work hard for you. These labels can be self perpetuating.

Hope all goes well.

It's good the HT is supporting you.

Are you a one form school?

I'm just wondering if there's any scope for mixing up classes, which could break some of the dynamics that have built up within this class.

Having a permanent member of support staff in the class sounds good. If they can do regular small group intervention etc, this may also help with divide and conquer?

If you are strong in terms of behaviour management and routine, and they have two consistent adults to form relationships with, you may find them a very different class to others?

If I'm tired, I just don't have the patience and struggle to be as consistent as classes like this need.
I do need to remember this.

We're two form entry, but they moved some key characters around for this year. It's worked for the other class so we're giving it a year before changing again.

They've got some very, very bad habits. I'm conscious now of ignoring them rampaging past me in the corridor- should I be intervening now or starting afresh in August? Don't want them to dread having me too much but also don't want them to be alienated by me.

I'm still waiting to hear whether I have 'that' class too next year. They will be Y2.

There are a number of very disruptive boys, there is no strong role model and they all follow one boy who they see as top dog. A couple of the girls have also picked up bad behaviour too.

I currently teach them one afternoon a week for PPA and have odd phonics groups.

Their current teacher is a lovely teacher, been teaching 4 years but is probably too nice and not strict enough. She's not always consistent and moves the tables/groups around every week and is always introducing new behaviour systems.

They are actually one of the worst classes I've taught, I've been teaching 26 years.

I'm dreading it if I've got them.

should I be intervening now or starting afresh in August? Don't want them to dread having me too much but also don't want them to be alienated by me.

Start now, you want them to know you mean business, you can then soften up once you start with them, providing they're following your rules. It's good for them to know what your boundaries are.

One other tip, is don't be afraid to spend time at the start letting them know the rules and making sure they are being followed.
It might mean you are not getting through as much academic work at the start, but it will pay off in the long term.
My current group come in to the class in silence in the morning and sit and read (unlike our neighbouring classes who are so noisy). I find this time is really important for them as that quiet time sets them up for the day. I also make sure I say hello to each of them as they come in.

Yes. I have spoken to the HT about taking my time curriculum wise. I also want to plan my routine out and stick to it as much as possible. I'm not sure if they are able to independently read.