What works when disciplining kids in the classroom these days?

Question

I teach 4th grade and in today's educational system, you are forbidden to use any of the tried and true disciplining methods of old. I'm NOT talking about spanking here...today there are regulations that prohibit the use if writing, reading, homework, physical placement (i.e., standing in a corner), take away recess time and, of course, public humiliation. My teacher used to make us write "I will not (blah blah blah)" on a piece of paper 'x' amount of times whenever we misbehaved and that worked for me. But we can't do anything like that today.

I am not in favor of anything cruel and unusual, but we are expected to instill a sense of respect and discipline in these students, and it is becoming harder and harder to do so if all of our ammunition is taken away. So I ask you parents, siblings, and hopefully teachers, are you aware of any disciplinary methods that are effective in today's P.C. classrooms? PLEASE suggest them if so. I am in great need for my upcoming class!

My students do not receive "recess" as they are fourth graders, they have PE each day and they get about 15 minutes to run around and play during that time. I can not take any time from that. Also, maybe I should mention that I teach in Virginia...education standards are very strict here.

Answer 1

Don't let behaviors happen in the first place. I know this is easier said than done, but there are things that you can do to keep behavior issues to a minimum.

Do you constantly and consistently reward appropriate behavior? I can't tell from your post, but by rewarding appropriate behavior you will get more results.

Do not allow any down time in your room...students should always be busy with something/have something to do when finished - no one should have to ask you what to do next. Keep a file folder for each child with anchor activities. As motivation to do the work, provide some type of incentives (homework pass, 5 minutes computer time, or whatever)...this will instill that hard work and doing a bit extra pay off. Then of course there are those times when we have 5 minutes of down time without warning (waiting for the PE teacher of whatever)...try some activities that you can do on the spot - 20 questions, I'm thinking of a number..., and so on. I always keep a set of picture finds on hand. They are from the "Highlights" magazine for children. This same company also sells books called "math mania" that are quick too.

I always thought "centers" were for young children, however I have found that they are fantastic ways to keep older kids working independently (and they find them enjoyable too!). One that I really like is a series called "Take It To Your Seat" - (Language arts, math, science, and so on) - it is a bit of preparation in advance, but once it is laminated it will last for years. http://www.amazon.com/Literacy-Centers-Take-Your-Seat/dp/1557998515

Keep transitions to a MINIMUM. I know that with specials classes/lunch and so on this can be difficult, but I mean the transitions that you can control (math to reading and so on). Also, call students individually when lining up to leave the room. "Jenny is ready for PE, please push your chair in and line up." You may have to stop instruction 5 minutes early, but it works...no one wants to be the last one seated!

One thing that I carried with me when I went from middle school to elementary is...have the student call mom to confess what he/she did. This has a greater impact on the student than if you call or send a note home.

Good luck with the new school year!

Answer 2

I think it is ridiculous that you can't sit them in a corner at least!! I would call home and inform the parent that their child is having trouble acting apropriately - then, let the child talk to their mom/dad... I'd only do this when a class isn't present - and do it with another adult as a witness... Also, try the marble in the jar idea - when the class is being appropriate, add a marble to a small jar - when the jar is full - or you've added all the marbles, they get some fun activity time or another reward they'd like. You can also spell out a word like p-a-r-t-y as they do well which could earn them a party when they spell the word...or spell the word and then take away letters as they act inappropriately... You might not be able to have a party, but whatever word you pick...you get the idea. Good luck!! I find consistency is the key - ya gotta show them that you just won't take their crap... :o)

Answer 3

I use Conflict Resolution in my classroom and it works well!
It teaches the students to take responsibility for their actions which is what we want in the long run. In addition, instead of telling a child they are punished at recess, I use the following approach. When a child is not conforming to what I think is necessary, I just quietly walk by their desk and whisper this.
"I notice you need help with______(whatever it is they are doing wrong), I would be happy to help you at recess so we can fix the problem. I also say it with a big smile.
They aren't being "punished" but rather working on something with the teacher. Those are my two most successful approaches. Hope they help and have a great year.

Answer 4

RESPECT of the child. As a social worker I have worked with some of the most disruptive children in some of the most socially disadvantaged schools.

Your jobs as teachers are incredibly hard. Demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. You are asked to do impossible things with few resources in a really unsupported environments. I have the greatest respect for teachers. You do a great job.

When faced with classes of children who have no wish to learn, no desire to be in school, are rude, disrespectful and generally obnoxious how do you continue to respect those children? How do you keep going into work knowing that the same children will cause the same problems today, tomorrow and the next day. Tough job I don't envy you.

Working with the most challenging students I have seen that they have no respect, but more importantly the are given no respect, I can understand this (see above) but children are shouted down, belittled, embarrassed, ignored and sent out.

You do not need ammunition. You need care, compassion and understanding those are your tools. If you tell a child on a one to one basis that you find it offensive if they swear and explain why you find it offensive they will usually monitor their language. They may not be perfect, but they try, any improvement is improvement. This is reciprocity, you can then ask them how they prefer to be treated and you can act accordingly.

Self esteem and respect are inseparable. Really show the children you respect them, it raises their self esteem which in turn feeds back into more respect and better classroom behaviour.

The next time you feel under pressure, with that mounting paperwork looming take a step back and ask yourself how do I show this demanding child the respect they need? Have a look at the ethics of social work below it may help.

Good luck, teachers do a great job, glad it is not me. LOL.

Answer 5

Okay, I know exactly where you are coming from because I teach in GA and we can't take anything away from them either. I personally doing like to even think about putting them in the corner, even though my para-professional does. It just isn't right to me in schools...

Anyway, I use a clip system for my students and I make them move their clips so that it means more to them. I don't know about 4th grade though. You could make them take whatever book work you might be doing to a lower grade - i.e.- K, 1, or 2 - I would think that having to go to a K room would be horrible. In fact when I taught 1st grade I had a student come from 5th and he only did it once, but I might have scared him a little. Other than that, I would just ignore as much of the bad behavior as I could without letting it inturrupt learning/teaching time. And maybe send home DAILY behavior reports so that parents are aware, if they even check, of their student's behavior in the classroom. If nothing else works, talk to your pronciple and ask him/her what they think you should do since you have so many limitations.

Answer 6

Maybe use a reward system for good behavior instead. At the end of the week or whatever time period your want, those with enough points get some free time to play games or something. You might start the year with a shorter time like a week & if it works make it longer. As you get to know your class you might even let them suggest rewards to work for.

Answer 7

If you have 20 kids in your class make a rule in the beginning of school that the top 10 acheiving kids in class each week will be able to sit where they want. The other 10 will be assigned seats. Of those 10 that you get to assign seats too YOU know who your going to put right up front right next to you. Now, because of the way you did it you can't be said to single out any one person. But you kinda can.

The kids will play dirty. Why can't you?

Answer 8

Well, if your doing something fun that day, like a craft or something, tell them they won't be allowed to do that craft if they continue to misbehave. Also, (and I know this maybe a bit extreme for a fourth-grader) there's always detention. And I KNOW you've at least got that. If they really start to get out of hand, then send them to the principal's office or send them home.

Answer 9

I guess your problem is the one we have almost in very country.I am teacher in Portugal and i must say i don't like to be a teacher anymore.We can't do much like you say, and the kids do all the crap and also they don't want to work, just make mess!You need to define rules, rewards and punishments (let the kids choose them, they are very creative)Then just follow them.Try a points system.And one thing i used to do with the worst kids , was ignoring them just the same way they ignored me.Usually they hate that, because sooner or later they will need our help.Good luck!

Answer 10

Rather than punishment, I would try to employ a recognition/reward system that recognizes positive attitude, hard work, attention to details, following rules, being kind to others, etc.

Then attach concrete reward to the recognition system: free pass to an amusement park, etc. You can often get businesses to sponsor such programs so that you aren't paying for these rewards.