If at all possible, I try to engage the most difficult students early in the year. I give them a few additional responsibilities, and give them a bit more positive reinforcement so they may be more likely “on my side.” There is a careful balance here though. You do not want them to be your friends, but you certainly do not want them to be your enemies. If you over do it, others in the room will label it as favoritism. If you give them a bit of lenience, do it on the side and away from others. Be sure they are as responsible as the others to what is expected in your classroom.
I think of this as healthy pro-active classroom maintenance. In many instances your classroom can hinge on these few but powerful personalities. They are looked up to for their independence and if they think you are “cool” the rest of the class may follow. I know for certain that when some personalities are absent for sickness the whole tone of the classroom can be completely different. This only illustrates why you may need to get them on
your side if possible.
It is however, not always possible and then you are left to just “deal with it.” When this happens, just be very clear about your expectations and very clear about the consequences.
Some simple things you can do are find out their interests and see if you can draw parallels to your own life. Share a bit. Consider going to see movies you hear them talk about. It may not be your “thing” but it will educate you about their world and may help you create lessons that connect with their experiences. Also, by seeing what they see, you will be more clued into their “lingo.” What may be considered a compliment, may, in the context of a popular video, actually be an insult. Do you know what it means if a kid yells “Bob Sagett?” I do and only because I catch up on YouTube quite often.
More advice HERE
I think of this as healthy pro-active classroom maintenance. In many instances your classroom can hinge on these few but powerful personalities. They are looked up to for their independence and if they think you are “cool” the rest of the class may follow. I know for certain that when some personalities are absent for sickness the whole tone of the classroom can be completely different. This only illustrates why you may need to get them on
your side if possible.
It is however, not always possible and then you are left to just “deal with it.” When this happens, just be very clear about your expectations and very clear about the consequences.
Some simple things you can do are find out their interests and see if you can draw parallels to your own life. Share a bit. Consider going to see movies you hear them talk about. It may not be your “thing” but it will educate you about their world and may help you create lessons that connect with their experiences. Also, by seeing what they see, you will be more clued into their “lingo.” What may be considered a compliment, may, in the context of a popular video, actually be an insult. Do you know what it means if a kid yells “Bob Sagett?” I do and only because I catch up on YouTube quite often.
More advice HERE
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