- Assigned seats
- Changing the desk configuration in the room (map out desks before doing this, please, so you can return them after class)
- Giving tasks (passing out papers, pencils, bibles) to your student who like to fidget to get them up and out of desks
- If you have an aid, there may be occasions where they need to sit in the hall and work one-on-one with someone being overly disruptive.
- Passing out stress balls or other fidget objects while lecturing (if students can use them appropriately) to help with fidgeting. It can actually improve focus in some children.
- Reward systems
- Use videos or games as class rewards at the end of class. We have tons of excellent DVDs that have yet to be used this year that I know your kids would love. There's stuff for all age levels.
- 3 strikes, you're out! (thank you, Noah!) Use some sort of system each class where after 2 warnings both myself and parents are notified. If it's seriously disruptive, that 3rd strike also call ext. 225 to locate me. Disruptive students can sit with me in the office.
- Talking passes (great idea, Bridget!) where student have to use a card as a sort of ticket to participating in group discussion to prevent from monopolizing. (One card = sharing one thing)
- Ask for an aid.
The RE Board and I were discussing what you think is causing the major discipline issues this year. Is the longer class time contributing? Is the curriculum not engaging enough? What can I do to better support you?
I am very understanding of how difficult this can be. I used to substitute teach for high school and have dealt with very serious discipline matters in those settings and the rowdiest of classes. We have the added challenge here of getting students on the weekend, when they might rather be doing other things, or after a long day of school & activities. Let's work together, with parents, to create an ideal setting for all!
