"bad school=me doubting myself"

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"bad school=me doubting myself"
By Pat

I remember feeling I was losing control during my early years of teaching. I strongly doubted that I had chosen the right career. The few children that were causing trouble seemed to be gaining followers. Why not...my
attention and energy were so focused on the trouble that there was little left for the nontroublemakers. I remember a day when I decided that these children were only 8&9 years old and they were NOT going to have control any longer. I had worked hard to become a teacher and I was not giving up. I have now taught for 30 years and have very few discipline problems.
At this point I suggest

you give up any situation that leads to loss of control.(this is a temporary move) Keep the students in large group if you have more control. Teach students how to ignore a student who is acting out. Praise them when they do ignore that student. Enlist parents help. Send a daily behavior report for problem children. Ask for a phone number that they may be reached at during the day. When a student starts to act out immediately let him know you will call their parent and they will go with you for the call. Other students do not want that call made. Find something positive about the troubled student. Let that student know that you recognize the positive quality. It may give them a reason to try to please you. As for leaving the classroom try to position furniture, the student and yourself so that an exit can not be made easily. Offer options. (ex. If you are upset you can go to the corner and sit until you calm down.) I know tis is very difficult to change an atmosphere in March. Be patient with your self. Good luck!