How do I get my 4th and 5th graders to listen to me?!?

Answer 1

At the first of the year I include my students in helping form the classroom rules and routines. One of those rules we both come up with is the importance to listen and focus when someone is speaking. They understand that they would like people paying attention to them if they were up front speaking. Since they were part of the rule making process this strategy works for some things.

Another strategy is to have interesting, quick mini-lessons that are relevant to their lives. Get them to be interactive. Use hands-on and integrated art.
Don't stand in one place and use expression when you speak. Be enthusiastic about what you are teaching. Having real life samples or items to show keep interest up as you speak.
When you are delivering a lesson have students use strategies like : desks clear, nothing in your hands, looking at the teacher, push away from your desk so you won't fiddle with things and turn your chair facing the teacher.

I find kids listen best when I start with some sentence, question or fact that is interesting or humourous. Then I make sure I don't go on an on. Make it short and sweet!

Good luck. Hope this helps a little. There are so many great strategies.

Answer 2

I think you need to be really strict especially with the upper grades because if they know they can get away with stuff, then they are going to do it. Another thing, is once your class is out of control, it's over because your class will have lost the respect for you. I've seen it happen. I work in a 6th grade class with 34 students and a strict teacher. These children come from what we call "the ghetto" and most children have no discipline or structure at home with 6,7 even 10 siblings. So when they come into our class they know that they need to respect us and do what they are told. The point is, don't let a child run you...

Answer 3

Tell them to listen to you and then give them questions about what they taught. If they answer a question correctly give them a piece of candy or a mini fake dollar. Put the mini fake dollars in a jar and at the end of the week draw a some names and they can win a treat or something.

Answer 4

ENVOY, is a text that outlines strategies for classroom management. ENVOY at Michael Grinder and Associates, 16303 NE 259th St., Battle Ground, WA 98604.

Answer 5

When I taught 4th grade I had that problem too. Now I teach 1st grade and I still have that problem at times. (although they listen a lot better)

Answer 6

start with something that they might find interesting , change it up a little , if you can find something that grabs them thier yours