Handle Behavior Problems Effectively How do I interact with disruptive students?

10 Quick Tips for Promoting On-Task Behavior Design instruction that encourages student engagement Closely monitor students’ activities to help them stay on task Give clear and easy-to-follow directions for all assignments Make sure that school rules and class rules, routines and procedures are established and followed Don’t allow down time Offer variety Make sure students have materials needed Motivate students to be confident, self-disciplined, active learners Communicate your high expectations Encourage students to reflect on their learning while you reflect on your teaching

Enforcing Classroom Rules Do your students need a refresher? Ask, “What rule have you broken?” Help the student understand that the rule applies to this occasion. Ask the student to explain the reason for the rule. Ask the student to tell you the consequences for breaking the rule. Carry out the consequences you have for students who break that rule.

Consequences Should arise logically from the infraction Should fit the infraction –Asking students to clean their work area after leaving it untidy is a consequence that solves the problem. Asking students to clean their work area because they were late to class does not. Repeated infractions should invoke a hierarchy of consequences –First offense: Reminder –Second offense: Warning –Third offense: loss of small privilege –Fourth offense: Time-out

The Crucial Step Monitor, Monitor, Monitor……

Catch ‘em Being Good Be specific and sincere in your praise so that students know what they did correctly. Always point out how the positive behavior will benefit everyone in the class Encourage students to remind each other to behave well for the good of the class Periodically ask your students what they did right during class? What did they gain from this good behavior?

Be a consistent Teacher Be well prepared and organized so that you will have more energy to make sound decisions under pressure. Teach and reteach the rules and procedures you have established for the smooth operation of your class. Do not make idle threats. Mean what you say when you talk with your students about their behavior.

Behaviors You Should NOT Accept Threats/ intimidation/ harassment Substance abuse Interference with other’s right to learn Disrespect for authority Failure to complete work Unsafe behavior Dishonesty Tardiness Truancy Violence Don’t sweat the small stuff!!! The teacher’s reaction to a problem sets the tone.

Take a Problem Solving Approach Step 1: Define the problem. Step 2: Gather information about the causes from the students who misbehaved. Step 3: Check to make sure your students know the pertinent rules and consequences. Step 4: Tell your students that you will need to take some time to make a decision. Step 5: Generate as many solutions as you can. Step 6: Ask an administrator, colleague or mentor for advice if you are not sure of the right course of action to take. Step 7: Decide on the action that will help students not repeat misbehaviors Step 8: Decide how you will implement the solution.

Act Decisively Consciously choose to ignore the misbehavior Delay taking action Use nonverbal actions Give a gentle reprimand Confer briefly with student Move a student’s seat Arrange for a time-out room Hold a longer conference with student Have students sign a behavior contract Contact parent Hold students in detention Arrange a conference with parents Refer a student to an administrator

Troubleshoot Common Problems Inappropriate Comments –One of your students is in the habit of blurting out irrelevant comments whenever you present material, give oral directions, or just speak to the class. While these comments are not defiant, they are unsuitable and unappreciated.

Suggestions Be careful to think before you react; then, be careful to react in a professional manner Students often make comments in a bid for attention. You may be able to stop this behavior by ignoring it. Talk to student privately

Troubleshoot Common Problems Talking Back –You tell a student who has not yet turned in a test paper that the time for the test is over and that you must have all the papers. The student becomes belligerent and loudly tells the class that you don’t know anything about teaching.

Suggestions Resist the temptation to argue or reprimand the child in front of the class. Ask the student to step in the hall for a private conference when you are calm enough to manage the situation well. Talk with the student about the effects of disrespect on you and on the rest of the class. Take a problem solving approach instead of escalating the confrontation and ill will. Make an agreement with students who feel the need to talk back; tell them that you want to hear what they have to say and are willing to listen but that they need to speak with you privately and respectfully.

Troubleshoot Common Problems Defiance –One of your students has made a mess while working on a project in class. When you ask that the mess be cleaned up, your student refuses, saying, “Why should I?”

Suggestions Absolutely refuse to reply to a defiant student in a rude way. Silence is better than a sarcastic retort or insisting on compliance. Do not argue or raise your voice. A first approach to try is looking surprised and saying that you thought you heard wrong. This gives the student a chance to back down. If this happens, just carry on with class. Later, meet quietly with the student and discuss the situation calmly. Another approach many teachers have found effective is talking quietly and privately with the student. Begin by asking the student to tell you what is wrong and offering your help. A confrontation will only make things worse. If the situation persists, you must involve the student’s parents and an administrator. Meet with them and the student to work out a plan to solve the problem.

Verbal Skills that can Assist with Difficult Students Positive Phrasing State each sentence or question in a positive manner avoiding negative wording such as Don’t, Won’t, or Can’t Instead of … -You can’t go to the bathroom -Would you all just stop talking -We won’t get done today if you keep talking -You’d get an A, but you don’t do your work Try Positively Phrased -You can go to the bathroom a little later -Put your lips together -It might be necessary to go over the procedures -Homework is important if you want an A

Verbal Skills that can Assist with Difficult Students Open-Ended Questions Questions that can have multiple answers -How can I help you focus in class? -What is upsetting you? -How are you doing? -What do you like about school?

Verbal Skills that can Assist with Difficult Students Closed-Ended Questions Questions that can have a definite answer -What were the directions to the assignment? -Do you have a pass? -Is something upsetting you? -Would you like to change seats?

Verbal Skills that can Assist with Difficult Students Confirmatory Paraphrase Statements that confirm, or paraphrase, a behavior, agenda or incongruity. -You need help with this assignment. -You are choosing to get into trouble. -You would rather do this assignment for homework. -You are having a hard time focusing.

Verbal Skills that can Assist with Difficult Students Empathy Statements Statements that confirm the students feelings -It’s frustrating when you don’t understand an assignment. -You are worried that you friend will hate you forever. -You are angry with me. -You are tired of being in trouble.

Managing a Classroom Is often the most challenging and exhausting aspect of teaching. While teachers create engaging, impactful lessons they must also create a predictable, non-threatening environment in the classroom so that students understand what is expected. The implementation of this system requires a balance between creating a student-centered class and maintaining positive control. In this system, the teacher acts as a non- threatening, supportive facilitator during discipline issues.