Low behaviour expectations at work.

[Chaoticfuckpig]

I have always had high expectations of behaviour and my class (Y4) is usually calm and contained therefore, safe and respectful.

I have 4 parallel teachers in the same year group who have very little interest in setting behaviour expectations and seem to barely notice when their pupils are behaving poorly.

This doesn’t bother me usually but when we are trying to put a Christmas production together as a group or take the children on trip, it completely spoils the experience because their pupils are constantly rolling around, shouting out, hitting each other, breaking things and my parallel colleagues seem to imply that I am “the strict one” and just chat amongst themselves leaving their classes to be rude and silly.

I find it impossible to move forward with group rehearsals or trip activities until the behaviour is sorted.

What can I do?
Has anyone else ever experienced this?

Thank you.

I hear you! I'm Reception but right from the off I like to put firm but fair rules and expectations in place. I once worked in an open Reception unit of 60 children, alongside one other teacher and 3 TAs. Some years we all rubbed along nicely, singing from the same hymn sheet, and others years were more challenging if the other teacher or the TAs I was paired with that year had very different views on behaviour management in Reception. My pet hate was the attitude of 'they're only little' to justify a lax attitude. Of course they're only little, but even the smallest of children need consistent rules and expectations! If one adult says no and another adult lets them get away with things it's very confusing for them. I find most young children actually prefer firm boundaries as it makes them feel safe and generally creates a calmer atmosphere.

I can totally relate to the feeling of dread around shared experiences such as performances and trips when you know others are likely to turn a blind eye to things you feel are unacceptable. It sends such mixed messages to the kids doesn't it?

Like you, I feel I probably have a reputation among other staff for being strict but ultimately I do feel the children have far more respect for me than they do some of my colleagues which is actually something to be proud of I think as it shows they have developed that trusting relationship and know where they stand with you. They want to behave for you, because they know what behaviours you value and want to show you they can follow them and make you proud. My class know what is acceptable and behave accordingly (most of the time!), whereas I feel with some colleagues I constantly see the same children pushing the boundaries to see what they can get away with.

No advice I'm afraid other than to say I bet some of your colleagues who label you as strict as secretly jealous of your behaviour management skills ;-)

Thank you!
I’m going to toy with mirroring their actions this week and see where their window of tolerance is exceeded because this is just going to make the year miserable!