[Teachldsseminary] CHAT: A few unruly students

[Norma King]

You're sure to get lots of response about dealing with unruly students, but 
here's a few on the top of my list:
1. Yes, go visit each and every student in their home with a parent present. 
Talk to the student, learn a little about him/her, tell them a little about 
yourself, take a few minutes to talk about the importance of having the 
spirit in the classroom. Keep your conversation with the student and not 
with the adult. View this visit as an opportunity to develop a relationship 
with all students, not to put them in their "place."
2. When each student enters the classroom shake their hand. Do it before 
class begins or if they are late walk up to them after the song etc. and 
shake their hand and greet them. This physical contact let's them know you 
recognize them and care they are there. Very important.
These personal contacts and interest in the students will help you develop a 
relationship with them. Students want to be recognized as individuals and 
not just as a class.
3. Since you team-teach is the non-teaching teacher in the classroom? 
Consider having her sitting there with the class also, she can help stave 
off problems.
4. Make some classroom rules (involve the class). What about no cells 
phones, no food etc.
5. Give assigned seats. I know many teachers hesitate to do this. But it can 
be very helpful. Rotate the assignments periodically.

Norma King


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <lorizee1 at comcast.net>
To: <teachldsseminary at latter-dayvillage.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 1:18 PM
Subject: [Teachldsseminary] Help--A few unruly students


> Hi!  I'm very new to this forum (like a week), so forgive me if this is a 
> topic already covered.
>
> I team-teach an early morning seminary class in Washington state.  We have 
> about 4 students (out of 15) who act up.  They come in late, switch seats, 
> talk, throw papers at other students, want to leave (or do leave) in the 
> middle of class to roam halls (and are often corraled and come back), 
> text-message on phones, etc.  In general, they are disrupting class, A 
> LOT!  My teammate teacher and I are not sure what we can do about this. 
> (We do not teach together, but trade, with one teaching 3 times per week, 
> another twice.  I confess the class is a bit better for me, but the 
> "problem students" still misbehave for me too.)  This class has also been 
> a problem for other teachers prior to this year.  This a class of Jrs and 
> Seniors.  The "disruptors" are for the most part 3 junior-age boys, with 
> one senior-age girl.
>
> I've posed the idea of visiting with each student (all seminary students, 
> but beginning with the disruptors first) in their homes, one-on-one to (a) 
> get to know them better, and (b) see if we can't make some ground with 
> them.  I believe that will help, but I'm not sure it is the cure.
>
> Any suggestions?  All answers would be very helpful!  Our stake supervisor 
> has offered a few suggestions, but I don't like the idea of having a 
> "time-out" for the students, either.  Do you believe home study (with a 
> once-a-week lesson) is a suggestion?  At what point should we start 
> involving the parents?
>
> Thanks!
> Lori Zander
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