Thread: What do I do when over half of the class is disruptive?

A really stupid trick that I found out this year, which works, is the Countdown Technique (I feel so like Supernanny) You feel like a real Richard doing it, but for some reason it works. You stand at hte front of the room and stick your hand in the air and say: "Quiet in 5...4..3...2..1.." (putting your fingers down) and everyone shuts up. They think they are waiting for something.

This worked for my year 12 class that was all mucking aobut. I can't guarantee they will stay quiet, but if they are quiet for that moment, then you can start to make that moment grow little by little.

It is so hard when everyone is trying to make it hard and horrible for you. Hope it goes better for you soon

Love Dawn

Take the time to teach them the procedures . . . even if it seems like it takes a LOT of class time. It will save you time later. Make sure the kids know exactly what you expect of them at all times in all situations. Then you can teach, teach, and reteach until they get it. When they forget, stop and reteach.

Some good resources are Randy Sprick's CHAMPs program/book (my favorite) and Harry Wong's The First Days of School book (great for new teachers).

Originally Posted by Ima Teacher

Take the time to teach them the procedures . . . even if it seems like it takes a LOT of class time. It will save you time later. Make sure the kids know exactly what you expect of them at all times in all situations. Then you can teach, teach, and reteach until they get it. When they forget, stop and reteach.

Some good resources are Randy Sprick's CHAMPs program/book (my favorite) and Harry Wong's The First Days of School book (great for new teachers).

I agree with this. I spend time teaching the how to enter the classroom. How to raise their hand and wait to be called on. How to line up. How to walk to the library. How to ask to go to the bathroom. I act it out correctly and incorrectly and we talk about the differences. We write it down. It takes a lot of time at the beginning of the year but it is soooo worth it. About half way through the year we often do a refresher. I like Harry Wong, a program called "Time to Teach" and a book called, "Discipline in the Secondary Classroom : A Problem-by-problem Survival Guide" by Randall S. Sprick, Ph.d

Also, I'd implement a "cue" when you want silence, and make sure they know exactly what to do when they are done with their work. this is a place where I sometimes get into trouble. . .those that finish first then decide to wander around or such.