Submitted by Linda Lawson, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Idea posted July 13, 2004

I've learned not to confront the problem children in front of their peers, as it results in the class rallying behind their friend, makes me the enemy, and escalates discipline problems. After class, I keep the student in "behind class time out." The problem kids hate it because their class leaves them behind and they lose their audience. The rest of the class sees it and doesn't want to wind up alone either. It helps to prevent problems the next time around. If another class comes in while the "behind class time out" student is there, I seat the child in the back of the class and continue on with the new one.

I've also learned to talk less or in shorter segments. Behavior gets worse when I try to teach beyond students' ability to sit and listen. I break my lesson plans up into five or more segments of activities. Several of the activities involve music and movement. The students earn these activities as a reward for on task behavior during "teacher time" (instructional time).

Another tip I've learned to help with behavior is to have students stop what they are doing before I give any instructions. I also make transparencies of all worksheets. We choral read the instructions and discuss the activity before I turn them loose to complete it. This cuts down on having to repeat instructions over and over for those not listening. Another hint: While choral reading the transparency, the students are asked to turn their worksheet or books upside down. It keeps them on task better.