Top 10 Misbehaviours and Possible Solutions
1. Shouting out in class.
Quietly remind the student to put their hand up if they want to say something/ answer the question.
You could also just say 'I can't hear children unless they put their hands up first!' or even thanking children for putting their hands up as positive re-enforcement.
2. Ignoring instructions/ not-listening.
For a start, make the curriculum more interesting and applicable to the students, this will encourage them to listen and engage. If a child continually does not listen to instructions and ignores them, change their seating and move them closer to the front so that you can watch them and keep them actively engaged. If the problem persists then have a conversation with the student to see what the problem is and what can be done to help them.
3. Talking during silent times.
Use proximity or touch their desk to let them know you are aware of what they're doing and that they need to stop (it may be useful to have discussed this with them earlier so that they are aware it is a signal to be quiet).
Alternatively, give the children the opportunities to be noisy during other activities so that there is no pressure/temptation to talk.
4. Not keeping hands to themselves.
Have clear expectations on this with the children. Use literature on the subject or teach the "bubble" rule to emphasize personal space.
5. Tattling.
Have a tattling jar on the teacher's desk which the children can write notes to the teacher instead of consistently coming to tell on someone. The children will either not bother because they do not want to write or they will write it and the extra practice will improve their writing skills. The teacher can then read them when they have the time.
With older children (grades 5-12) you can set up a 'court room' and have the children sort the problem themselves over time.
6. Cheating.
Make all students use 'writing workshop folders' to create a visual block around their desk so that they can't see out and no one can see in.
Outline clear expectations and follow through on consequences. If the student continues to cheat, take them to one side and have a conversation to find out why they were cheating.
7. Not staying at their desks
All children should be taught the 'one hand rule', this allows children move around their desks during class time as long as their hand is touching it at all times.
8. Bathroom breaks
Always allow children to use the bathroom. However, only allow one student at a time to go to the bathroom. Allow students the opportunity to use the bathroom in between lessons. If a student is consistently asking or going then send a message/call the parents to let them know they might want to make a doctors appointment.
9. Being disrespectful (answering back).
How this is handled (especially in front of the student's peers) is very important. The teacher can use the 3 R's and teacher the students 'Responsible, Respectful and Ready to learn' and educate them on what is respectful on behaviour.
10. pencil sharpening.
Allow children time at the beginning of the morning and afternoon to sharpen their pencils. If they need to sharpen their pencil during class then they just use a pre-sharpened one from a spare pencil jar.
Quietly remind the student to put their hand up if they want to say something/ answer the question.
You could also just say 'I can't hear children unless they put their hands up first!' or even thanking children for putting their hands up as positive re-enforcement.
2. Ignoring instructions/ not-listening.
For a start, make the curriculum more interesting and applicable to the students, this will encourage them to listen and engage. If a child continually does not listen to instructions and ignores them, change their seating and move them closer to the front so that you can watch them and keep them actively engaged. If the problem persists then have a conversation with the student to see what the problem is and what can be done to help them.
3. Talking during silent times.
Use proximity or touch their desk to let them know you are aware of what they're doing and that they need to stop (it may be useful to have discussed this with them earlier so that they are aware it is a signal to be quiet).
Alternatively, give the children the opportunities to be noisy during other activities so that there is no pressure/temptation to talk.
4. Not keeping hands to themselves.
Have clear expectations on this with the children. Use literature on the subject or teach the "bubble" rule to emphasize personal space.
5. Tattling.
Have a tattling jar on the teacher's desk which the children can write notes to the teacher instead of consistently coming to tell on someone. The children will either not bother because they do not want to write or they will write it and the extra practice will improve their writing skills. The teacher can then read them when they have the time.
With older children (grades 5-12) you can set up a 'court room' and have the children sort the problem themselves over time.
6. Cheating.
Make all students use 'writing workshop folders' to create a visual block around their desk so that they can't see out and no one can see in.
Outline clear expectations and follow through on consequences. If the student continues to cheat, take them to one side and have a conversation to find out why they were cheating.
7. Not staying at their desks
All children should be taught the 'one hand rule', this allows children move around their desks during class time as long as their hand is touching it at all times.
8. Bathroom breaks
Always allow children to use the bathroom. However, only allow one student at a time to go to the bathroom. Allow students the opportunity to use the bathroom in between lessons. If a student is consistently asking or going then send a message/call the parents to let them know they might want to make a doctors appointment.
9. Being disrespectful (answering back).
How this is handled (especially in front of the student's peers) is very important. The teacher can use the 3 R's and teacher the students 'Responsible, Respectful and Ready to learn' and educate them on what is respectful on behaviour.
10. pencil sharpening.
Allow children time at the beginning of the morning and afternoon to sharpen their pencils. If they need to sharpen their pencil during class then they just use a pre-sharpened one from a spare pencil jar.