Procecedures

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2003 : October : 7

Procecedures
By Jade

It sounds like you may have to go right back to square one by teaching procedures, expectations and consequences. No matter what behavior is tolerated in their homeroom they need to know it will not be tolerated in yours.
The Responsive Classroom books are quite good in helping you to
establish classroom rules and expectations. Once you have these you have to be very consistent.
Perhaps you can have some kind of small reward (sticker, piece of candy) given to the children who do finish their quick assignment. Might bring a few more on board.
You really cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in

any students, but fourth graders seem exceptionally young for this type of attitude. Have you spoken with the other teacher? Previous teachers? Your principal? Have you contacted parents? What sort of consequences do you already have in place for missing assignments or refusal to work?

You may need to assess their skill level, too, because you may have students who are not able to do what you ask of them yet.

I hope this gives you some ideas. It is easy to sit here and offer advice when I am not in your situation, but these things have helped me get through to difficult classes.