Wednesday, September 19, 2012

U-Surped Me

I have three very loud and opinionated students in my 8th grade Language Arts classroom. They're the type that ask unrelated questions while I'm trying to have a discussion, or blurt out their feelings in inappropriate times. I want to put their leadership to good use. I know that they could change the entire atmosphere of my classroom. I've tried giving them class jobs, such as being in charge of handing out books or revealing today's journal, but it usually backfires and the class becomes distracted. I knew it was getting bad today when I asked one of them to be in charge of lining up the class and another student asked me "who's teaching this class, Ms. Hamilton?"

How do I get them on my side? It's not that they don't like me, it's that they know they can have attention from the rest of the class when they act the way they do. I can only remove them from class for so long without having to catch them up on what they miss when they're taking a "time out" in the hallway.

2 comments:

  1. You need to shut these students down with tough love. I know it seems harsh, but we've all been there before as first year teachers and you need to show who is in charge. Sit them on opposite sides of the back of your classroom and don't recognize them unless they follow your procedure for participating in class. Ignore anything that comes out of their mouth if it is inappropriate, this will also keep the rest of the class from engaging them. They are seeking attention and you fostering them by giving them special jobs only gives them the attention they want. After a week or so of this interaction they will get the point and then you can interact with them as you do all your other students. Hope this helps!

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  2. It is hard having students in your class that seem unreachable. My only advice would be keep trying to incorporate them into your class. The moment you give up on that then you have really lost them. I think your idea of giving them responsibility is a great idea. Also, maybe figuring out what they enjoy and tying this into what you are trying to teach.

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