re: paying attention

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re: paying attention
By Anon

Teach listening skills.
My three rules for being a good listener are:
1. Be quiet
2. Be still
3. Watch

Insist that your students are quiet, still, and look at the speaker. Have clear cut expectations and consequences.
My students know that I will warn them once and the next time their recess is gone.
I went to a workshop my first year teaching where we were told to give students principles instead of rules and not to explain them because that should be part of the students' thinking. That was terrible advice. Tell them exactly what is expected and follow up immediately with consequences.

Furthermore, be honest with them and tell them why it's expected.

I doubt you're being "too mean". If you are being rude to students then they will dislike you. If you are setting high expectations and tough consequences but you let them know why, then they will respect you.

Hope that helps.