
Before I gave you some tips, I wanted to share a few powerful quotes that drive me each day. They perfectly describe what I have seen in my own classroom and what I believe to be true.
It is HARD to remember the small details of every kiddos life. I would suggest choosing your most difficult students and getting to know all about them. Mentioning their sibling, or asking about karate practice, shows them how much you care. Just a few simple things can make their little faces light up! ๐
I think this is truly one of the most important things, especially with our most challenging students. Throughout the day, some of my little nuggets do like 30 things that need to be corrected…but choosing which things to correct has made all the difference. It’s hard for them to connect with you when you are constantly reminding them what not to do. I try to look at behaviors on a scale, and only focus on the ones that really matter. I know that’s a personal philosophy, but I think it makes it a lot easier to build relationships with more challenging kiddos.
Have you ever had one of those days where you think “I can’t take it if ____ does one more thing.” Those are the days we need to focus on the positive even more. If I am frustrated with them, they can probably sense it. When I feel myself having a negative reaction towards a kiddo, I try to find a few great things about them and praise those. It changes my attitude too…almost immediately!
Yes, thanks. Iโm an older teacher and have always believed students should be expected to listen and obey. Itโs been pointed out to me that in this day and time students will not cooperate unless they feel loved and respected. We really do not have any consequence that will make a child cooperate if he doesnโt want to. I have a class full 18/25 of challenging 5th grade boys. We have not started out well- Iโm back stepping to try to win their respect by showing them respect and letting them know I do care about them.
Hi Shelly! It sounds like you have your work cut out for you! 18/25 boys is hard haha! You’re right though..there just aren’t many effective consequences so we have to be proactive! Good luck to you! I’m always here to help so feel free to reach out by email and I can help you problem solve!!!
Hi – I really love this – I am a School Counselor. I would love to share with my teachers – with full credit to you, of course. Would that be OK? Thanks!
Thank you so much for asking! I would be honored! ๐