classroom discipline

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classroom discipline
By experienced teacher

Kiru,

Do you have a discipline plan in place in the classroom already? If so, refer to that for consequences. If you do not have a plan make one fast and spend a whole day teaching that and classroom routines. I spend
two or three weeks just on that at the beginning of school. Be very consistent with your positive and negative consequences regarding behavior. The best advice I ever received was to introduce yourself as a "Lion" and go out like a "lamb." I remember that now, sixteen years later, every time the first day of school comes around. I do not see why you are afraid of the word Authority.

If you do not establish yourself as the authority in the classroom, the students will not learn from you at all. Children that are difficult behavior wise are crying out for adult attention. Assign time after school or lunchtime detention where you can help them with homework and they can get to know you better. I have found this to be very beneficial. They expect punishment after school(lines to write or whatever) but what they get is valuable time with you. They do not expect this and many do not receive positive adult attention, at any length of time, at home. I have found giving students positive unexpected reactions to their outbursts a very effective management tool. Humor is another device. But remember you must be very firm and consistent with your standards and consequences. Pick your battles is another often used piece of advice and it is a very good method as well. Hope this helps in some way.