I need ideas! New Job!!

[sarahd1210]

I am a second year SPED teacher. I am at a new school with a totally new job. I need some advice. I am teaching math and language to children with behavior problems. I need some ideas on classroom rules, behavior plans, conseqences, etc. If anyone has any ideas please respond. Thanks

[imported_Addict]

Sara,

Being an ex-juvenile corrections officer that worked with problem children (of all ages) every day in a 'jail-type' atmosphere, there are many things you can do to keep control over your classroom.

Granted, I had more leverage with consequences then the average teacher, but here are a couple of ideas:

TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE
When you get children together (problem children or not) they can tend to be loud and get out of control very quickly. They may not always realize that things are getting out of control.

'Two minutes of silence!' should be called when things start to esculate. This is where everyone must be quiet (no sounds at all) for 2 full minutes. They can put their heads down on their desk, or face forward. This short amount of time seems longer then it is and helps restore structure to the classroom environment.

1 important feature is that ANYONE can call '2 minutes of silence'. This gives the students power to help control their peers, and to help the teacher in chaotic situations.

TOKEN ECONOMIES
These can be helpful with all children. Offering paper money (or coupons) for desired behavior that can be redeemed at a later time can be effective. Turn in your homework, get a coupon. Offer intuitive thinking and class feedback can earn a coupon. Staying out of conflict, when one is active, earns a coupon.

Coupons can be redeemed weekly for small things (age appropriate) like candy bars or a pop or new pencils, or saved up to get a larger prize - like free homework pass, or have lunch with the teacher (popular with younger children).

Also, coupons could be used attain a higher status in the classroom heirarchy - a "Positive Peer Culture" where positive peers are allowed more freedoms and power in the classroom. Search for Positive Peer Culture in google.com - you will find tons of useful information. In fact, this type of culture is used in many correctional facilities and classrooms nationwide with a good rate of success.

When I worked in the 'jail', positive peers were like an extra staff member. When you are outnumbered 25 - 1, and extra 'positive peer' is definitely nice to have.

IDENTIFYING PROBLEM CHILDREN
In jail, if an esculated situation was looking to get out of control, I would yell out "DOORS!". When 'DOORS!' is called (by staff ONLY) everyone had to go to their cell and lock themselves inside. Those who did not, got the worst punishment available - in our case 24 hour room restriction. This gave us the opportunity to separate the problem children from those who where actively involved in a bad situation. The idea was to isolate the individuals having the problem, take control of the situation, and then allow everyone out of their rooms immediately.

In your situation, you might have 'WALLS!' where everyone must go directly to a space on the wall and face the wall quietly. Those who do not are swiftly given the most extreme punishment available to you as a teacher.

Some may say these suggestions are too extreme (I don't know), but maybe you can form your own ideas from them.

[Beks]

I am also a second year teacher, ESL though. I'm in a new school this year and transferred from elem. to middle school. I've been having a lot of problems with class disipline this year. But, I've also gotten a lot of ideas. First, the most important thing is to establish classroom procedures. Plan to spend what seems like an immense amount of time on teaching simple routines and procedures. There are procedures for getting the teacher's attention, going to the library, going to the bathroom, entering the classroom... etc... It's especially important, as you know, for SPED students to have a good handle on these procedures right away. By establishing appropriate routines and procedures, you will eliminate many problems before they occur. This year, I wasn't quite sure what procedures and routines I had to establish with my students. I did what I thought was enough to educate them on the procedures and routines, but it wasn't. Now, it will be a battle for me the rest of the year. Anyway, I'm reading a book by Harry Wong, titled How to be an Effective Teacher the First Days of School. If you haven't read this book, you should. It will give you detailed ideas on how to establish these routines/ procedures and so much more! Good luck!