Working with tricky behaviors
We have all had students (whether we work privately or in a classroom setting) that have what many will call, “undesirable” behaviors. You can see these students a mile away and you know that you’re going to have a unpredictable relationship with them. What do you do when you have a strong gut feeling that this particular student is going to give you a hard time in your class that day?
Here’s the thing, you already did the hard part: You identified the student that is going to need some extra support. Once you identify the student, that’s when you get to work. The only way you will be able to work with these types of students is when you are proactive.
Here are the steps when you have your first encounter with this type of student:
Immediately approach that student and give them your name and a compliment that can be physical (maybe some cool hair or a rocking shirt with a character that you can connect about) or you can compliment any actions upon entering the classroom (i.e. if they’re excitedly bouncing around and can’t stay still, “I love how you look so excited to come into class today!”). The first interaction needs to be a positive one.
Once class starts, continue to call out positive things that the student is doing or feel free to even refer to some “inside jokes” you may have talked about when doing the initial conversation: “Wow! You’re stretching your hands as high as that giraffe on your shirt!”
Eventually, that student may try to test your boundaries as a teacher, and it’s important to note that this may happen a class or two in. The important part is to not hesitate call out the behavior in a firm and direct way. “Everyone needs to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and glued to the floor, (name) keep your feet glued to the floor.” Notice how I gave the expectation out of everyone in the classroom first and then called the name of the student and repeated the direction.
GIVE DIRECT PRAISE AS SOON AS THE STUDENT ACHIEVES WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR! “Great job with those feet (name)!” This is the most important step and cannot be forgotten. Many people get annoyed when we have to repeat a direction or give an instruction that we think is an obvious expectation for the class. When the student eventually achieves the objective, that annoyance can then trickle to an “ugh FINALLY” sort of feeling which results in us not having the energy to genuinely give the follow up praise. It’s important to recognize that just because something is easy or intuitive for us, doesn’t mean it’s easy for them; especially if your students are children.
The bottom line is, you can’t manage your classroom of one or dozens if you don’t have a connection with your students. Your students aren’t going to listen to you if they don’t like you. Not only does this apply to classroom management, but it also applies when you’re teaching subjects you, the teacher, are really passionate about. You being super passionate and positive about one thing that you are interested in isn’t going to balance constant negative feedback and correction that they will receive from that same teacher. Make the effort to find a unique way to connect with each of students and learn everything like their interests, dreams, dislikes, or even their favorite Pokemon! It certainly is a lot of work and mental gymnastics, but it will absolutely pay off in the end.
Post in the comments any unique ways that were successful in connecting with a student!
