How to handle certain students

[Lilllypad11]

I’d place myself in the firm but fair category of teachers. I love to have a laugh and joke with my students because it actually gets them to work I’ll let them take the mickey out of me and laugh about it and I’ll do it back to them (professionally and within reason always).
A couple of them like to come up to my classroom at the start of lessons (their classes are often next to mine) and they’ll linger and ask silly questions or crack a few jokes.

The other day I had an observation and I was like guys you’re amazing but today I need to start my lesson off. They obviously didn’t get the message as 17 year old boys don’t. Anyway, I ushered them along away from my classroom and placed my hand on their upper arm and moved all along with no force just a “come on now” movement. Then I worry that I’ve done something wrong.

Im a female in my 20s so I often worry if I probably shouldn’t be like this?

Definitely do not make any physical contact with a student. Regardless of how innocent, it can be misinterpreted (e.g 'she pushed me').

The other day I had an observation and I was like guys you’re amazing but today I need to start my lesson off

So the way you behave for an observation, as a young female teacher, is different from the way you behave the rest of the time?

And this is a group of boys hanging round your room?

And you wonder if you're doing anything wrong?

You need to step back very quickly. You are walking into trouble.

No that’s not what I said. You’ve just made a whole new narrative here.

1. They were in the way of my other students and slt coming in to observe
2. I had to make a swift start and just didn’t need the additional hassle before I began of them walking into my lesson and moaning about maths
3. Im their form tutor and have been for 3 years
4. All teachers at the academy often have students hang around the rooms at the start of lessons particularly if the staff member has been there a long time. 5 girls do the exact same thing with me.
5. My issue was the face I ushered them along because they were very much in my way.

That is exactly what you said.

But what do I know?

I've done this job for a long time, and I know that sometimes things go horribly wrong. Sometimes because teachers make mistakes; sometimes because students do. Sometimes because students do stupid things; sometimes because teachers do.

My advice, which you asked for, is reconsider your behaviour and to step back.

That's my advice as a colleague and as a union rep, by the way.

I’m a bit confused as I read your OP in the same way as @MrsHamlet did and would give the same advice: back off and reinforce professional boundaries.

You thought she’d misunderstood though, so what is your actual question?

Students hanging out with you in your room when they do not need to be there is not a good idea. You need to draw a professional boundary. Allowing them to make fun of you and vice versa is also not a great idea. Being kind but professional is what you should be going for.