Here's the deal. I am 100% with you, but in our country students go into the class first and they continue their bad behaviour even when teacher arrives. We don't have the opportunity to fix this behaviour before going in the class because children are already inside and most of the times we find them jumping on top of their desks. 2 times i told them to go all together out and go back in calmly, but this didn't work because they saw it as a game and they continue the bad behaviour just to go outside the classroom again. So what do you think for classrooms like that?
Nikos, when I read this I can hear your frustration. You feel this technique/methodology won't work because the children are already in the classroom and when you send them all out they think it's a game. OK, three things: 1. If kids are out of control in a classroom they shouldn't be in the classroom. So you are right to take them out and have them line up again until they enter the room in an orderly manner. 2. They will think it's a game if they think they're wasting YOUR time rather than their own. And 3: Not all the class members will be out of control in this way. So.... taking 2 and 3 a little further: Make sure you bring those students who treat this as a game back to practice lining up sensibly during their break time. If they spend 15 minutes messing you around at the start of the lesson, they owe you 15 minutes of their break to practice being sensible. If you are diligent in following up with these students and ensuring they pay back the time they owe, they will quickly see you mean business and won't want to lose their break in future. And if you do this in a firm but friendly manner - carefully explaining that this is for their benefit in the long run, they will grow to respect you all the more. Reading this and thinking 'he hasn't taught in my school with my kids, this will never work'? Believe me, this works. But here's the most important bit and most struggling teachers miss this...Remember that not all students in a class like this want to waste your time. They get caught up with the group and with minimal instruction and fair treatment they will do as you ask. Be sure to acknowledge and praise those students who follow the rules. By switching your attention to those who do the right thing - giving them positive attention, you'll find the whole atmosphere will change with this group and more and more students will come on side. I would say this is actually the secret to success with this group - switch your approach to looking out for the good rather than focussing on the bad. Kids want to be valued and understood above all. Usually their behaviour is a cry for attention and help. Give it to them and watch them change.
@@needsfocusedlessons You are dealing with ideal situation in our schools we faced the students already have a mind map like they are inside a room with their own behaviors and only confrontational statements work as they most of the time take you for granted and all your efforts were useless and no matter what you do the class is not going to change .I applied your strategy in class focusing on those who were taking interest but half of the class was least interested .
@@nadiasajjad6604 I'm not totally clear on what you are saying I'm afraid. Am I correct in thinking you feel that no matter what you do or say, the class is not going to change? If so I totally understand how you feel; it is incredibly frustrating when our efforts seem to make no difference. All I will say in response to that is that our best efforts, applied in a sincere manner from a foundation of wanting what is best for these children, most certainly DO make a difference. We might not always see our efforts repaid straight away, we might not see positive changes for days or even weeks in some cases but... with consistency they will come. And when they show even the slightest glimmer of improvement, that is the time to acknowledge them and show them you've noticed. I do hope I don't appear patronising because I do truly understand how difficult this is. But I also know, having been on the receiving end as a child, parent and teacher, the ONLY way to help make a difference with these tough, hardest-to-reach kids is to show them you care about them, try to understand them and convince them that they matter.
What about when they do wrong? Why do you think crime among the under 21s is so high, partly weak parents, largely weak teachers that do not discipline. I am now a teacher I started by teaching my own kids, they needed a good start in life that does not include someone that is weak as a teacher, weakness is why our society is in such a bad way, sorry but you are not a good teacher, I have a 1 year waiting list of students wanting lessons with me try discipline, maybe you can get $40 an hour like I do, if you would like some advice drop me a line I will help you.
There are good arguments against "catching kids doing good," but Paul's comments seem way off base to me. Why? How so? Let's consider what he wrote. "What about when they do wrong?" Good question. I think the best answer is a couple other questions: 1. How do we define "wrong"? Is it natural high-spiritedness? Is it asking questions we the teachers don't want to hear because they are not convenient for us or because we fail to see the important or value of them? Is it following a natural urge to explore social relationships when the teacher wants the students to be good little robots focused on academics? Other? 2. Why are they doing "wrong"? Are they bored because the teacher is not engaging them or challenging them properly? Do they have an unfulfilled emotional need for attention? Other? "Why do you think crime among the under 21s is so high, partly weak parents, largely weak teachers that do not discipline." This ungrammatical sentence makes HUGE assumptions, and offers ZERO evidence to back them up. We'll just go on to the next point. "I am now a teacher I started by teaching my own kids, they needed a good start in life that does not include someone that is weak as a teacher, weakness is why our society is in such a bad way, sorry but you are not a good teacher, I have a 1 year waiting list of students wanting lessons with me try discipline, maybe you can get $40 an hour like I do ..." Oh, my. You're a teacher? You teach LANGUAGE? You teach GRAMMAR? Do you even know what constitutes a sentence? Do you know what a period is? (Or, as the British would call it, a full stop.) You just typed ten--count them, TEN!--sentences and connected them with six commas. A teacher of third grade children would not accept this from his or her students. Let's break down that mess you wrote: "I am now a teacher I started by teaching my own kids." There is an overabundance of people who are really horrible, misguided teachers. You have said nothing to indicate that you are not among them. "weakness is why our society is in such a bad way" You are welcome to your opinion, but I would suggest that fear and close-mindedness do far greater harm to society. "sorry but you are not a good teacher" Sorry, but based on your comments, you are far from being qualified to judge whether anyone else is a good teacher. "I have a 1 year waiting list of students wanting lessons with me try discipline" Or perhaps it is the parents who put their children on your waiting list, because their thinking is as misguided as yours. "maybe you can get $40 an hour like I do" Bragging doesn't earn you any Brownie points. It just makes you a boor.
I also heard this, Edward, and thought it made excellent sense. Until I read an opposing view. (Not that of Paul Garrett, who I would NEVER send a child to.) One problem here is that when you point out the one "doing good," you risk putting them in the position of being seen as a "brown-nose" (AKA a goody two-shoes, an apple polisher, a teacher's pet, etc.) Another problem is that you are rewarding behavior that should be seen as normal rather than admirable. This sets the bar too low. And if other kids start behaving that way, and you don't praise them all, you risk being seen as playing favorites--or, worse, individual students may conclude that you just don't like them. I wonder if it wouldn't it be just as effective to remind the kids of the behavior that is acceptable without pointing out who is already demonstrating that behavior. I suggest you check out Michael Linsin, who has written extensively on classroom management. (He has books for sale, but he also has a blog you can subscribe to for free.)
@@paulgarrett1622Mr. Garrett,Building relationships with students and their parents is a 🔑 key to managing the classroom. I do agree that when we care for someone we quickly correct erong behavior. The caring comes first.
It’s all about building relationships, or chit chat. When kids feel heard and understood, you have their positive attention. They believe you are on their side. Love it!
I definitely agree that when you let your students feel that they belong and they are heard and valued you will totally gain their respect.we might not know how they are being treated at home that is why they are behaving that way.so taking time to hear their story and show them that you are interested to listen and that you sympathize allows you to gain their respect.and if that happens they will always want to give their best in the class because they love their teacher and they want him/her to be happy.
@@EldeljoyRusiana I totally agree with you but this should not be at the expanse of the time and the aims of the session .In addition, If you hear each student story this will be time wasting and if you choose to listen to a particular student then you will be unfair. I find it really difficult to be a teacher.May be the most tough job.😥
I LOVED this! i love how Rob admits he was a failure at classroom management in the beginning and doesn't act like a know-it-all. I love the specific examples he gives to make his point. and I love that he knows what we are all also going through and that he made these videos to help :)
Agreed, the first step is realizing that you are handling the situation incorrectly. Rob seems to have done that and also come to some effective measures.
As a retired teacher who is still actively involved in mentoring young teachers and students, I totally agree with the strategies you have shared and appreciate your willingness to share with others who can certainly benefit from your experience and suggestions. Thank you for being an educator.
Rob thank you very much. You are a lifesaver. I just came back utterly traumatized today from trying to teach something but failed miserably to the 11th graders of age group between 16 and 18 . I even failed today after a small lie i told them that i am a heart patient and anytime they got to be ready to call an ambulance. They were quiet for a moment but then started again. Everyday they torment me. They make fun of me and laugh so loudly. I could hardly hear myself. I have been struggling with classroom management for few years now. After tears and sobbing and praying today I stumbled upon your video. I am very heartbroken and in despair. I work hard to prepare for my lectures but am left helpless unable to deliver them. Today you have given me hope because I relate to the ineffective strategies you had followed and failed. So I am going to try all your suggestions through which you conquered finally.
I watched this video last night and tired this technique this morning on a group of 3rd graders, not ONCE did I have to raise my voice. I then was moved to 2 other rooms where I did the same thing as their normal teachers were in the room, and I got the same results. When I first watched this, I was like, "This dude is cray cray," then I thought anything is better than screaming! You're a life, and job saver! Thank you so much!
I'm going to give this a shot. I have just started at a new school and every class I have just talks non stop. Not bad kids, they just aren't interested and want to talk.
It's amazing how the actual sequence of student disturbance have been revealed very easily. The facts and classroom situations have been described so genuinely for any troubled teacher or classroom for anywhere. Thanks for sharing the real insight hidden in the core of the undisciplined classroom.
It's really funny, i am an ESL teacher out in China, and i was just giving a class today to Chinese teachers about my take on teaching psychology. Almost everything you said is what i was saying earlier and what i FIRMLY believe in. Great to watch!
Great man. You speak with calm confidence and you're not ashamed to say you've made mistakes in the past. It is how we learn. Useful video! I'll remember what you said next time I go into class.
I'm so happy to have found your videos, and you expressed my feelings perfectly. I'm a good teacher, but not so good at classroom management, and I am stressed by the end of the day and embarrassed when other teachers see my class at certain times. Thank you for your excellent advice.
I absolutely love the reminder of non-confrontation! This is in fact the better way to approach and talk to your students. Like us, they need positive reminders.
Hi Rob, I just finished my ‘shouting’ phase so I’m making progress😂. The fact you are willing to share your ‘failures’ comforts me. Thank you. I will certainly check your videos because I really like to work with these youngsters. I’m getting better at it.
Awesome. I just started as a substitute teacher n I am planning to teach in my own classroom soon. This is the part that terrifies me because first, I do not like shout at the students and I don’t have a strong, strict personality. I thought, the students take advantage of that and just ignore my instructions, to the point where I was wondering if I was going to be able to be an effective teacher. Your videos have helped me get back my confidence and believe that I can still do this. Thank you so much..!
I have been in a public school teacher for over 30 years. I like to re-visit classroom management techniques So it keeps me on my toes.Thank you very much for this motivational talk.
I feel "useless" when it comes to classroom management, too! Thank you so much for sharing this candid video series. You're great! Keep up the inspiring work!
Great points Rob! There is something unparallel that happens when we actually "talk the kid's language" and see eye to eye with them. Being able to talk their lingo makes us relatable, and being proactive is also a skill that comes with like you say, learning, and messing up sometimes. Thank you for sharing this great video!
I recently completed a course called Educational Psychology where we briefly covered effective classroom management strategies and your video helped reinforce what I learned. Thank you! I am not a teacher quite yet but with videos like yours, I am certain I will be prepared to manage my classroom in my first year of teaching! Blessings to you!
This is really helpful. I'm finding 18 year olds at University getting worse attitude year by year. Reframing comments in a positive way is worth trying: "What you resist persists"
i have found this incredibly useful. I find myself raising my voice way too much. I will def go back to the meet and greet at the door strategy with noisy lot. Thanks for sharing.
I'm going to slowly learn this as a teacher. I do believe the same thing. Kids are kids. I can't force them to be an adult but i want them to settle down so they can get something from the class. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️
As an year 8 student in Australia, I completely agree with this. I can instantly pick up the flaws with some of our teachers, even the experienced ones. However another way of engaging students is to be enthusiastic and build a relation with students, that way, most students will obey your orders and most likely not going to spread rumours around you. Of course, we have some teachers we dislike because they lack these things including the tone of voice. If you sound extremely dull, it's not going to pass through the class and if you do a few jokes or two, it will greatly affect your classes in a positive affect. Overall a great video!
Rubbish! Many of the students today genuinely don't care about anything that is taught. The level of apathy is astounding. They say AI will replace teachers... Good luck with that. With the current lack of any motivation it's more like ignorance and social assistance will replace interests and expertise.
I have been suffering with a class of kids that are sweet but so loud and irrespective of me the teacher for a whole year. Now I think I know how to handle a new group in a new way! Thank you!!
This comment is such boomer advice. Kids do not care at all what you look like. Either you can build rapport or not. A kid will destroy a teacher regardless of his/her attire.
I find moving down the line and greeting them with a smile and a very calm "Good morning" very effective. Sometimes I say it with a raised eyebrow for the rowdy ones, so that they know that it is time to pull it together, but I also appreciate their personality. I teach middle school, and they are often very lively, sometimes rude, sometimes with so much going on... self control is a learned skill and a developmental piece. I try to MODEL respectable behavior. They usually respond positively. If they are shown respect, they will take a step.
Rob, I couldn’t agree more! This is what I do each class I have. I remind them of why we do what we do and use the moment to greet and shake hands with each student. I can give individual objectives and at the end of class, feedback and compliments or redirection for next class. Students yearn for individual progress reports for things they did well and what can be worked on for next time. Honest and impartial/genuine comments.
As an experienced teacher myself, I had to comment on how much I enjoyed this video and how much respect I have for you. I am very impressed at how you candidly talk about your failures and how well you learned from them. Your calm confidence is telling, as is the way you talk about the expletive (not fazed, but setting a boundary). This is excellent information, and I'd recommend this to any teacher. I hope you are doing well these days, and I hope your students know how lucky they are.
Thank you so much! I have started substitute teaching and am completely overwhelmed with classroom management from kindergarten through high school seniors. I can't wait to put your techniques into practice and transform a chaotic out-of-control environment into a calm learning atmosphere where there is motivation, encouragement, and enthusiasm. THANK YOU!
I watched this video because right now I am preparing for back to school. It's early August and I do not want to start another year with a problem of noisy students. Thanks for giving the "why" of this strategy of meeting the students at the door which I have heard of before. I like how you explain that the point at the door is most crucial and that once loud students pass that door they have essentially disrespected you and your class rules. I can't wait. However. I agree. I love watching their movies so I'm good at relating to them.
Thanks so much! These are things I learned when I taught elementary school but I've had a real tough time employing these in middle school, having jumped in during November as a teacher.
You are a godsend! I recently started teaching larger groups in classrooms and I’m finding it more difficult to manage them than smaller groups. And I have no backup from the administration...
Thank you Rob for your positive energy, crystal-clear illustration, and your honest reflection of your own teaching! I can't agree with you more when you said that we should not go through the problem. I also like the tone of your talking, very calm and calming, assertive and authoritative, coming from a gentle and caring heart.
I loved watching this. I was once asked by a student teacher how I managed to have so much class 'control'. I didn't actually know. Wish I could have shown her this video!
I actually am a teacher student on practice right now. I tried out this technique today on a large group of 5th graders and it worked wonderfully! The real test will be the 6th graders later this week whom are known for being "that" class which almost always spirals out of control. I hope things will get different this week with them as well.
Love these tips! I've started implementing these strategies this week and I am already seeing a shift in how students behave in the classroom. Thanks Rob!
I do this with every class so it's good to see that its the right thing to do. It doesn't always work and I am learning more about the challenges my students experience every day. I am confident with this training things will be better going forward.
I am very grateful for this video! I have always been self conscious because I keep hearing that I’m “too nice” because I won’t yell at them. I’m not here to ruin their learning experience and I’m not going to strain my voice controlling 20+ little people. Positive reinforcement does work!
Thank you for the suggestions! I look forward to trying them out this year (my first year as a full time teacher after 8 years of substitute teaching and 4 years of additional education).
THANK YOU ! I just started my teaching "temporary " and i'm teaching KG level , it is nice and cute but it needs more power to control them and the stuff watching me and i want to be able to be a good , open heart and loving teacher with each one of them . Thank you again
OMG, this is what I needed to hear. I'm a new teacher and I lead a group of 3rd graders in the after school program. I saw myself shouting and quickly realized that I lost control. Thank you for giving me this tip (I agree with) for me to handle my group. Thank you for sharing.
I am so glad I watched this video, I have 5 6th grade classes.They are loud,rude and do not know how to be quiet. I' going to try this strategy this week ans see how it goes. Thank you Cathy C
Thank you SO very much! I just started substitute teaching in the fall, and classroom management is my biggest problem! (I'm currently a business student, who is a mom, loves school, and loves kids.) We seem to have a fantastic start, but then things fall apart at the end of the day. I would love to find a balance between nice and authoritative...nice is allowing them to push all my buttons. lol I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your videos!
This makes total sense. I have seen a school where kids are lined up in the hallway and greeted at the door. You have added the purpose and the how to do it. Great ideas.
This is 100% spot on. Definitely the best advice on TH-cam for all teachers. I used to teach in one of the toughest schools in NJ and learned this the hard way. Those who dislike this video are probably the kids who want to take over the class.
I really appreciate your positive, respectful approach to students without sacrificing authority. Quick question: the lining up outside class seems to fit better in elementary school. Would you use this with high school students, or would you vary it in some way? Thanks!
Thank you Rob! I am an elementary school music teacher in the US and I have a fifth grade class that comes to music right after recess. They are not a bad group but man they are NOISY and I have fallen into some non-constructive patterns with them. This video had a lot of great reminders that I needed!!
I’ve been teaching for 3 years but this month it’s my first time to handle large class . I’m struggling right now and so stress on how to manage my class, most of them has difficulties on focusing , 😢thank you for the video and admitting the failure you’ve done at the first , showing that I can make change from now ,
Good reminders! I'm a 1st-year ESL teacher who's still in the process of improving my classroom management skills. My one success has been in relationship-building and doing a lot of that 'informal chit-chat' w/ the kids. Even my most challenging kids respond well to this. When kids know you genuinely care about them, they are more likely to respect you and work harder for you.
I'll be embarking on my journey as a TEFL teacher to kids in SE Asia next month. I've no idea what to expect from them as I have no teaching experience, but your videos are proving to be a good source of information in preparation for this! Thanks!
My father tells me it used to be the cane. In our day the teacher just ignored the disruptive students, put out harsh report cards if that was required and shouted in class. Today, there is far better classroom management and teachers really relate. The real problem is the student, most of the time, not the excellent teachers. No respect taught at home. When students get into work, especially competitive international work, many can't take the extreme amount of abuse. Hard discipline has its place as well and trains hard people who can take on whatever life/work throws at them.
It could be that it isn't that they aren't taught respect at home, rather, they aren't taught anything- which is to say they are dropped off at school (where all parental responsibility is abrogated) and receive very little interaction, let alone instruction from parents.
Well you could be nice and then become authoritative at the same time. The method always works, and all of my history teachers use it. There will always be that one student who will not pay attention because they've never been properly disciplined. Ignore them, they're wasting your time. Kick them out for all you care it's a nuisance for the rest of the students who want to learn in class.
I was just talking to a coworker about classroom management and not able to tell him how my class was able to work for me. I definitely use informal chitchat, but I can work on more non-confrontational statements. Thanks!
This was brilliant. The non-confrontational aspect was a good reminder for me. I've been so busy addressing negative behaviors it's overwhelming. Going to focus on the good. Thanks for sharing this, even 7 years later it is helpful!
Rob, thank you for your post. I'm approaching my wits end with a particular class. Came across your channel by chance. I have to unlearn what I have learned. I agree, the process starts outside the classroom.
Rob Plevin Hi Rob, I have a 8 year old going on 9 in October this. Our house doctor diagnosed him with ADHD and then put him on meds when he was still 6 years old. With in 2 weeks of using the medication, he started becoming violent and his tantrums got out of hand. He is a sweet child, but the only way he would have gotten violent was by force, though he loves to argue and debate with a person, but as soon as the violence began and the out of control tantrums. I took him of meds and did it the tough way. I am not crazy about meds and I think like most parents I was distraught out it. I have seen his ADHD becoming worse. He has all the signs they can give you. Except most nights he will pass out very early. I have been thinking about taking him to someone that can do the tests with him to be diagnosed and then taking it from there, but I am still so affraid, as I have seen good stories and bad stories of the tables for ADHD. Even deaths occurring What do you think about ADHD and what I have told you? All his teacher has told me he is a highly intelligent child, but needs to pay more attention and needs to sit still and start to complete his work in the classroom I just need some advice from different points of view and it seems you have found your way around the small stuff .
Also early in my teaching career after a long time in the private sector. I teach EFL to teenager in a technical school in one of the 'poorest' town in Belgium but I'm confident that my experience and skills will help me build effective classroom strategy in my new career. I'm also a visual person and your drawings and key words help me a lot remembering the strategies that I intend to put in place as of next term. Thank you! I also like that fact that you are not ashamed to tell that you struggled at the beginning as I'm also trying hard to cope with my class management. Thanks again for sharing your experience!
THANK YOU for this video! Even though I'm starting year 21 in the classroom, I have an unusually tough group this year, and I can completely relate to your/my failed strategies. Thank you for your vulnerability and willingness to share, and give reat reminders of how to build a positive climate in your classroom & positive relationships with your students!
Excellent video, i've never considered something like this before. I especially like the non confrontation point. I'm starting my PGCE next september, im eager to get stuck in
Over two million views! Gosh Rob - I think people have figured out that you know exactly what you are talking about! Well done!! Your video has certainly given me food for thought - I'm starting in my first ever official teaching position as a volunteer teacher of people from countries far to the north of South Africa on Monday!. Thank you for your advice - I have downloaded your videos and will keep them as permanent reference for when I feel that I am losing my mind!!! Them and my Bible!!!!
Hi, I"m a new substitute teacher and it was my 3rd day. On my first 2 days I thought I was not going to make it! I tried this technique today with all my grades (8 and 9) and even the most difficult class worked very well! I coupled it with "Give me 5" - 5 countdown to settling, and it works amazingly. Hope it continues to work. Thank you so much, what a difference it made!
Hi Mr. Plevin. As someone who''s returning to the teaching profession after a prolonged hiatus, I must tell you that I've been feeling a ton of churning butterflies at the thought of dealing with confrontational students. In truth, I love working with kids, and I was lucky to have developed really good relationships with most of my students. But now and then, I'd hit a wall with an especially tough group. Slowly but surely, I came to acquire a few strategies that worked relatively well, but I never really developed a coherent set of guidelines for effective classroom management techniques, and the books I did read up on the subject never really convinced me all that much. Now, I've only watched your first video on this series, but already I can tell I've discovered a great resource. If I may, I'd like to be able to contact you now and then to pick your mind and maybe get some feedback on issues that may emerge in my once again role as a teacher. Best of luck, Carlos
I envision a lot of learning from you. I am from India and culture plays an immense role while dealing with the tough nuts. Your comment is very educative. Can you share specifics on classroom management?
All of my classroom management training has been "don't smile until Christmas", "MAKE them respect you", and so on. I'm not That Person. I'm far more affable than that, and I've been looking for advice on how to manage effectively with my personality. This first video looks like a great start on that.
Paul I understand how you feel. So many teachers have told me to be a drill sergeant and a complete b*tch but I'm not that way. Like you I'm friendly and cheerful. A great class management program I have found is called Love and Logic. It emphasizes giving consequences in a loving manner. It's been very helpful.
I am still in school learning how to be a teacher but I remember exactly the kind of situation you are talking about from the days I was a student. The things you said in this video reminded me of a History teacher I had that all the students liked and respected. Thank you for the help to make the kind of classroom I want to have one day.
Thanks for the video. It never occurred to me that classroom management needs to start outside of the classroom, but now that I've seen the video, it makes so much sense!
Hi Mr.Plevin. I've been a ESL teacher in Turkey for 14 years and I'm dealing with the most difficult group of highschool students ever nowadays..I've only watched this video but it helped me so much already! It cleared my mind and I look forward to watching every single video..thank you so much, I'm sure I'll be more and more grateful as I watch them..
Thank you! After 10 years of disastrous behaviour management with students, finally someone had told me, in plIn English, how to do it. Thank you a thousand times over!!!
Thank you Rob for taking the time to share these videos. I see you have put some great thought into what you are sharing in your video series. I can see you are heading in the right direction of being proactive vs reactive when it comes to creating the right environment. I too can remember starting a similar journey back in 1994 when teaching students. The yelling which was easy to do did create short-term success that faded quickly away... At that time the quest for guiding behavior vs punishment had begun. Now 20 years later this quest has paid off. Once again Rob, I appreciate all that you are doing to help teachers and parents. Keep up the good work. I salute you and your efforts.
This's very enlightening. Yep, I usually ask my most inattentive student why he's walking around, instead of engaging him in positive chats or lesson materials. Thank you for the good tips!
WOW! I have 7 kids in Sunday School, all with severe behavior problems! As a former Special Ed teacher I thought, no sweat. But just about quit last week, after only our first session. I'm gonna try your ideas. and a wing and a prayer! Thank you!!
Thank you. Great advice. I'm a new secondary trainee and have been observing a really difficult class. This video has given me some much needed strategies that I will be putting to use.
Enjoyed this. Really liked that you put your advice in context. Too many people offer advice for classroom management without showing the process of learning. What's next in the pipeline Rob? Would love to see some ideas on reintegration following a breakdown with school.
This is brilliant. I only had a teaching experience a few years ago and as you admitted, I did poorly in managing noisy students. I would like to teach again in the future (currently homeschooling) and now I know there are so many things I could do differently. Thanks for sharing what you've learned with experience!
Thank you so much! I used to do this with all my Music Classes and it definitely worked. We actually chanted "the Music Rules", as well as using body percussion, before entering the classroom so they remembered the expectations. Now that I teach Grade 6, I should go back to that routine and adapt it for my students because they do enter noisily. Thank you for acknowledging (and reminding me) how important it is to establish a proper climate for learning before entering the classroom.
Hello Rob. Thank you for this clear and also motivational video. I am in my second year of becoming a science teacher in the Netherlands. This year is my first in front of a class and I experience a lot of problems getting a class to listen and be quiet. This video gives me hope that I will eventually be able to succeed. Thank you very much.
I am a teacher. Well I am qualified to teach. Teaching for 8 years and now I want to quit. My classroom management is a mess. I feel so ineffective and useless. I hope this will motivate me a little. I am an elementary teacher-right across the board. I have them all day, every subject and session.
Don't give up. If your here u will find ur way...I have only two kids and burn out is real. I don't know how you teach a classroom of young kids and keep it together. I spoil and encourage my daughter first grade teacher. The struggle is real and the pressure, I can only imagine. But I'm just a mom with 2 little ones and I'm solo parent in a new state no family to help and husband traveling never been a teacher but I do feel out numbered @ times. I'm here to find ways to parent positive as I've fallen unto yelling out of stress but l just want to remind you to take care of yourself first. EVERYDAY! Even if it's just 5min. Plan it. Take hot bath (with candle ) make favorite drink. At work teaching, put golf ball in ur drawer and when ur sitting sneak shoe off put ball under foot and roll ur stress away in seconds. (Shoulder shrugs and deep breathing great when u have no time) I'm not going to go on I think u got it. Be kind to ur self. I hope you don't give up. God bless
Non-confrontational statements are great also because they highlight students behaving well, instead of giving all the spotlight to students behaving badly. That little bit of attention for quiet or polite students can mean the world to them.
Here's the deal. I am 100% with you, but in our country students go into the class first and they continue their bad behaviour even when teacher arrives. We don't have the opportunity to fix this behaviour before going in the class because children are already inside and most of the times we find them jumping on top of their desks. 2 times i told them to go all together out and go back in calmly, but this didn't work because they saw it as a game and they continue the bad behaviour just to go outside the classroom again. So what do you think for classrooms like that?
Nikos, when I read this I can hear your frustration. You feel this technique/methodology won't work because the children are already in the classroom and when you send them all out they think it's a game.
OK, three things:
1. If kids are out of control in a classroom they shouldn't be in the classroom. So you are right to take them out and have them line up again until they enter the room in an orderly manner.
2. They will think it's a game if they think they're wasting YOUR time rather than their own.
And 3: Not all the class members will be out of control in this way.
So.... taking 2 and 3 a little further:
Make sure you bring those students who treat this as a game back to practice lining up sensibly during their break time. If they spend 15 minutes messing you around at the start of the lesson, they owe you 15 minutes of their break to practice being sensible. If you are diligent in following up with these students and ensuring they pay back the time they owe, they will quickly see you mean business and won't want to lose their break in future. And if you do this in a firm but friendly manner - carefully explaining that this is for their benefit in the long run, they will grow to respect you all the more.
Reading this and thinking 'he hasn't taught in my school with my kids, this will never work'? Believe me, this works.
But here's the most important bit and most struggling teachers miss this...Remember that not all students in a class like this want to waste your time. They get caught up with the group and with minimal instruction and fair treatment they will do as you ask. Be sure to acknowledge and praise those students who follow the rules. By switching your attention to those who do the right thing - giving them positive attention, you'll find the whole atmosphere will change with this group and more and more students will come on side. I would say this is actually the secret to success with this group - switch your approach to looking out for the good rather than focussing on the bad. Kids want to be valued and understood above all. Usually their behaviour is a cry for attention and help. Give it to them and watch them change.
@@needsfocusedlessons Thank you so much for your time. I really appreciate it, you are a wonderful person!
@@nikosefthymiou6499 My pleasure
@@needsfocusedlessons You are dealing with ideal situation in our schools we faced the students already have a mind map like they are inside a room with their own behaviors and only confrontational statements work as they most of the time take you for granted and all your efforts were useless and no matter what you do the class is not going to change .I applied your strategy in class focusing on those who were taking interest but half of the class was least interested .
@@nadiasajjad6604 I'm not totally clear on what you are saying I'm afraid. Am I correct in thinking you feel that no matter what you do or say, the class is not going to change? If so I totally understand how you feel; it is incredibly frustrating when our efforts seem to make no difference. All I will say in response to that is that our best efforts, applied in a sincere manner from a foundation of wanting what is best for these children, most certainly DO make a difference. We might not always see our efforts repaid straight away, we might not see positive changes for days or even weeks in some cases but... with consistency they will come. And when they show even the slightest glimmer of improvement, that is the time to acknowledge them and show them you've noticed. I do hope I don't appear patronising because I do truly understand how difficult this is. But I also know, having been on the receiving end as a child, parent and teacher, the ONLY way to help make a difference with these tough, hardest-to-reach kids is to show them you care about them, try to understand them and convince them that they matter.
Early in my teaching career, someone told me: “Catch kids doing good.” Reinforce positive behavior by giving it your attention.
What about when they do wrong? Why do you think crime among the under 21s is so high, partly weak parents, largely weak teachers that do not discipline. I am now a teacher I started by teaching my own kids, they needed a good start in life that does not include someone that is weak as a teacher, weakness is why our society is in such a bad way, sorry but you are not a good teacher, I have a 1 year waiting list of students wanting lessons with me try discipline, maybe you can get $40 an hour like I do, if you would like some advice drop me a line I will help you.
There are good arguments against "catching kids doing good," but Paul's comments seem way off base to me.
Why? How so?
Let's consider what he wrote.
"What about when they do wrong?"
Good question. I think the best answer is a couple other questions:
1. How do we define "wrong"?
Is it natural high-spiritedness? Is it asking questions we the teachers don't want to hear because they are not convenient for us or because we fail to see the important or value of them? Is it following a natural urge to explore social relationships when the teacher wants the students to be good little robots focused on academics? Other?
2. Why are they doing "wrong"?
Are they bored because the teacher is not engaging them or challenging them properly? Do they have an unfulfilled emotional need for attention? Other?
"Why do you think crime among the under 21s is so high, partly weak parents, largely weak teachers that do not discipline."
This ungrammatical sentence makes HUGE assumptions, and offers ZERO evidence to back them up. We'll just go on to the next point.
"I am now a teacher I started by teaching my own kids, they needed a good start in life that does not include someone that is weak as a teacher, weakness is why our society is in such a bad way, sorry but you are not a good teacher, I have a 1 year waiting list of students wanting lessons with me try discipline, maybe you can get $40 an hour like I do ..."
Oh, my. You're a teacher? You teach LANGUAGE? You teach GRAMMAR? Do you even know what constitutes a sentence? Do you know what a period is? (Or, as the British would call it, a full stop.) You just typed ten--count them, TEN!--sentences and connected them with six commas. A teacher of third grade children would not accept this from his or her students.
Let's break down that mess you wrote:
"I am now a teacher I started by teaching my own kids."
There is an overabundance of people who are really horrible, misguided teachers. You have said nothing to indicate that you are not among them.
"weakness is why our society is in such a bad way"
You are welcome to your opinion, but I would suggest that fear and close-mindedness do far greater harm to society.
"sorry but you are not a good teacher"
Sorry, but based on your comments, you are far from being qualified to judge whether anyone else is a good teacher.
"I have a 1 year waiting list of students wanting lessons with me try discipline"
Or perhaps it is the parents who put their children on your waiting list, because their thinking is as misguided as yours.
"maybe you can get $40 an hour like I do"
Bragging doesn't earn you any Brownie points. It just makes you a boor.
I also heard this, Edward, and thought it made excellent sense. Until I read an opposing view. (Not that of Paul Garrett, who I would NEVER send a child to.)
One problem here is that when you point out the one "doing good," you risk putting them in the position of being seen as a "brown-nose" (AKA a goody two-shoes, an apple polisher, a teacher's pet, etc.)
Another problem is that you are rewarding behavior that should be seen as normal rather than admirable. This sets the bar too low. And if other kids start behaving that way, and you don't praise them all, you risk being seen as playing favorites--or, worse, individual students may conclude that you just don't like them.
I wonder if it wouldn't it be just as effective to remind the kids of the behavior that is acceptable without pointing out who is already demonstrating that behavior.
I suggest you check out Michael Linsin, who has written extensively on classroom management. (He has books for sale, but he also has a blog you can subscribe to for free.)
@@paulgarrett1622Mr. Garrett,Building relationships with students and their parents is a 🔑 key to managing the classroom. I do agree that when we care for someone we quickly correct erong behavior. The caring comes first.
@@paulgarrett1622 P.S. Let someone else peaise you. Good Luck
It’s all about building relationships, or chit chat. When kids feel heard and understood, you have their positive attention. They believe you are on their side. Love it!
Very true!!
I definitely agree that when you let your students feel that they belong and they are heard and valued you will totally gain their respect.we might not know how they are being treated at home that is why they are behaving that way.so taking time to hear their story and show them that you are interested to listen and that you sympathize allows you to gain their respect.and if that happens they will always want to give their best in the class because they love their teacher and they want him/her to be happy.
@@EldeljoyRusiana I totally agree with you but this should not be at the expanse of the time and the aims of the session .In addition, If you hear each student story this will be time wasting and if you choose to listen to a particular student then you will be unfair. I find it really difficult to be a teacher.May be the most tough job.😥
I LOVED this! i love how Rob admits he was a failure at classroom management in the beginning and doesn't act like a know-it-all. I love the specific examples he gives to make his point. and I love that he knows what we are all also going through and that he made these videos to help :)
Cheers Lisa, happy to help :-)
Agreed, the first step is realizing that you are handling the situation incorrectly. Rob seems to have done that and also come to some effective measures.
As a retired teacher who is still actively involved in mentoring young teachers and students, I totally agree with the strategies you have shared and appreciate your willingness to share with others who can certainly benefit from your experience and suggestions. Thank you for being an educator.
Rob thank you very much. You are a lifesaver. I just came back utterly traumatized today from trying to teach something but failed miserably to the 11th graders of age group between 16 and 18 . I even failed today after a small lie i told them that i am a heart patient and anytime they got to be ready to call an ambulance. They were quiet for a moment but then started again. Everyday they torment me. They make fun of me and laugh so loudly. I could hardly hear myself. I have been struggling with classroom management for few years now. After tears and sobbing and praying today I stumbled upon your video. I am very heartbroken and in despair. I work hard to prepare for my lectures but am left helpless unable to deliver them. Today you have given me hope because I relate to the ineffective strategies you had followed and failed. So I am going to try all your suggestions through which you conquered finally.
I'm having a bad day, losing control of my class. Somehow I remembered this video and it really helps me to understand classroom management
I watched this video last night and tired this technique this morning on a group of 3rd graders, not ONCE did I have to raise my voice. I then was moved to 2 other rooms where I did the same thing as their normal teachers were in the room, and I got the same results. When I first watched this, I was like, "This dude is cray cray," then I thought anything is better than screaming! You're a life, and job saver! Thank you so much!
I'm going to give this a shot. I have just started at a new school and every class I have just talks non stop. Not bad kids, they just aren't interested and want to talk.
Any updates on this and if it worked for you?
It's amazing how the actual sequence of student disturbance have been revealed very easily. The facts and classroom situations have been described so genuinely for any troubled teacher or classroom for anywhere. Thanks for sharing the real insight hidden in the core of the undisciplined classroom.
It's really funny, i am an ESL teacher out in China, and i was just giving a class today to Chinese teachers about my take on teaching psychology. Almost everything you said is what i was saying earlier and what i FIRMLY believe in. Great to watch!
Great man. You speak with calm confidence and you're not ashamed to say you've made mistakes in the past. It is how we learn. Useful video! I'll remember what you said next time I go into class.
your likesare gay
Read my original comment at the top of the page from 12/3/2019.
Alexandra .Willitts It will not be at the top for us because we did not write it!
Michael James, look in the "sort by" prompt, and then click on the "newest first" prompt and then go from there.
I'm so happy to have found your videos, and you expressed my feelings perfectly. I'm a good teacher, but not so good at classroom management, and I am stressed by the end of the day and embarrassed when other teachers see my class at certain times. Thank you for your excellent advice.
What makes a good teacher? I want to go in as some sort of supporting role.
I absolutely love the reminder of non-confrontation! This is in fact the better way to approach and talk to your students. Like us, they need positive reminders.
Hi Rob, I just finished my ‘shouting’ phase so I’m making progress😂. The fact you are willing to share your ‘failures’ comforts me. Thank you. I will certainly check your videos because I really like to work with these youngsters. I’m getting better at it.
Yes! I just had a send them all out day, so I’m here for help! 😅
Awesome. I just started as a substitute teacher n I am planning to teach in my own classroom soon. This is the part that terrifies me because first, I do not like shout at the students and I don’t have a strong, strict personality. I thought, the students take advantage of that and just ignore my instructions, to the point where I was wondering if I was going to be able to be an effective teacher. Your videos have helped me get back my confidence and believe that I can still do this. Thank you so much..!
I have been in a public school teacher for over 30 years. I like to re-visit classroom management techniques So it keeps me on my toes.Thank you very much for this motivational talk.
I feel "useless" when it comes to classroom management, too! Thank you so much for sharing this candid video series. You're great! Keep up the inspiring work!
I keep a few 20's in my desk.
Great points Rob! There is something unparallel that happens when we actually "talk the kid's language" and see eye to eye with them. Being able to talk their lingo makes us relatable, and being proactive is also a skill that comes with like you say, learning, and messing up sometimes. Thank you for sharing this great video!
Shared this with Facebook colleagues. Absolutely brilliant!
I have tried the strategy of standing in the door and doing hi5 with incoming students. It does miracles.
I will try it too
And suddenly #COVID19 comes out! :(
Some teachers love to hear their voices yelling , lots of thus is common sense
I recently completed a course called Educational Psychology where we briefly covered effective classroom management strategies and your video helped reinforce what I learned. Thank you! I am not a teacher quite yet but with videos like yours, I am certain I will be prepared to manage my classroom in my first year of teaching! Blessings to you!
This is really helpful. I'm finding 18 year olds at University getting worse attitude year by year. Reframing comments in a positive way is worth trying: "What you resist persists"
As a teacher trainee, I can relate perfectly to those two 'equally ineffective' strategies ... so happy to have come across this video. Thank you!
As a a new teacher I am working with a tough group of students, thank you for your helpful ideas and suggestions.
i have found this incredibly useful. I find myself raising my voice way too much. I will def go back to the meet and greet at the door strategy with noisy lot. Thanks for sharing.
I'm going to slowly learn this as a teacher. I do believe the same thing. Kids are kids. I can't force them to be an adult but i want them to settle down so they can get something from the class.
Thank you so much for sharing ❤️
As an year 8 student in Australia, I completely agree with this. I can instantly pick up the flaws with some of our teachers, even the experienced ones. However another way of engaging students is to be enthusiastic and build a relation with students, that way, most students will obey your orders and most likely not going to spread rumours around you. Of course, we have some teachers we dislike because they lack these things including the tone of voice. If you sound extremely dull, it's not going to pass through the class and if you do a few jokes or two, it will greatly affect your classes in a positive affect. Overall a great video!
KingHarlaus1 very true !!!!!!!
Rubbish! Many of the students today genuinely don't care about anything that is taught. The level of apathy is astounding. They say AI will replace teachers... Good luck with that. With the current lack of any motivation it's more like ignorance and social assistance will replace interests and expertise.
New teacher this fall. I watched Kindergarten Cop three times so I know I am ready! Really, you have great materials, thanks.
I have been suffering with a class of kids that are sweet but so loud and irrespective of me the teacher for a whole year. Now I think I know how to handle a new group in a new way! Thank you!!
We could go on and on, but professional work attire is also a big one. It shows students you are professional and committed to being their teacher.
This comment is such boomer advice. Kids do not care at all what you look like. Either you can build rapport or not. A kid will destroy a teacher regardless of his/her attire.
I find moving down the line and greeting them with a smile and a very calm "Good morning" very effective. Sometimes I say it with a raised eyebrow for the rowdy ones, so that they know that it is time to pull it together, but I also appreciate their personality. I teach middle school, and they are often very lively, sometimes rude, sometimes with so much going on... self control is a learned skill and a developmental piece. I try to MODEL respectable behavior. They usually respond positively. If they are shown respect, they will take a step.
Laura Hogan my students don’t take me seriously it sticks and I look real young and just started in middle of the year
Darknloveli did u manage to get over the challenge
A lot of this can be applied to parenting as well, especially if you have quite a few kids. Great ideas.
Rob, I couldn’t agree more! This is what I do each class I have. I remind them of why we do what we do and use the moment to greet and shake hands with each student. I can give individual objectives and at the end of class, feedback and compliments or redirection for next class. Students yearn for individual progress reports for things they did well and what can be worked on for next time. Honest and impartial/genuine comments.
As an experienced teacher myself, I had to comment on how much I enjoyed this video and how much respect I have for you. I am very impressed at how you candidly talk about your failures and how well you learned from them.
Your calm confidence is telling, as is the way you talk about the expletive (not fazed, but setting a boundary).
This is excellent information, and I'd recommend this to any teacher. I hope you are doing well these days, and I hope your students know how lucky they are.
Thank you so much! I have started substitute teaching and am completely overwhelmed with classroom management from kindergarten through high school seniors. I can't wait to put your techniques into practice and transform a chaotic out-of-control environment into a calm learning atmosphere where there is motivation, encouragement, and enthusiasm. THANK YOU!
Internationally known symbol for “I am a rude child” 🤣🤣🤣 he’s funny
I watched this video because right now I am preparing for back to school. It's early August and I do not want to start another year with a problem of noisy students.
Thanks for giving the "why" of this strategy of meeting the students at the door which I have heard of before.
I like how you explain that the point at the door is most crucial and that once loud students pass that door they have essentially disrespected you and your class rules.
I can't wait.
However. I agree. I love watching their movies so I'm good at relating to them.
Thanks so much! These are things I learned when I taught elementary school but I've had a real tough time employing these in middle school, having jumped in during November as a teacher.
To earn respect of students, a teacher must never lie or hide his mistakes. This is what i learned from my teaching experience so far.
You are a godsend! I recently started teaching larger groups in classrooms and I’m finding it more difficult to manage them than smaller groups. And I have no backup from the administration...
Thank you Rob for your positive energy, crystal-clear illustration, and your honest reflection of your own teaching! I can't agree with you more when you said that we should not go through the problem. I also like the tone of your talking, very calm and calming, assertive and authoritative, coming from a gentle and caring heart.
Thank you Serena, that's very kind x
I loved watching this. I was once asked by a student teacher how I managed to have so much class 'control'. I didn't actually know. Wish I could have shown her this video!
I actually am a teacher student on practice right now. I tried out this technique today on a large group of 5th graders and it worked wonderfully! The real test will be the 6th graders later this week whom are known for being "that" class which almost always spirals out of control. I hope things will get different this week with them as well.
Love these tips! I've started implementing these strategies this week and I am already seeing a shift in how students behave in the classroom. Thanks Rob!
I do this with every class so it's good to see that its the right thing to do. It doesn't always work and I am learning more about the challenges my students experience every day. I am confident with this training things will be better going forward.
I am very grateful for this video! I have always been self conscious because I keep hearing that I’m “too nice” because I won’t yell at them. I’m not here to ruin their learning experience and I’m not going to strain my voice controlling 20+ little people. Positive reinforcement does work!
I used this technique when I substituted and it worked like a charm.
Thank you for the suggestions! I look forward to trying them out this year (my first year as a full time teacher after 8 years of substitute teaching and 4 years of additional education).
THANK YOU ! I just started my teaching "temporary " and i'm teaching KG level , it is nice and cute but it needs more power to control them and the stuff watching me and i want to be able to be a good , open heart and loving teacher with each one of them . Thank you again
OMG, this is what I needed to hear. I'm a new teacher and I lead a group of 3rd graders in the after school program. I saw myself shouting and quickly realized that I lost control. Thank you for giving me this tip (I agree with) for me to handle my group. Thank you for sharing.
I am so glad I watched this video, I have 5 6th grade classes.They are loud,rude and do not know how to be quiet. I' going to try this strategy this week ans see how it goes.
Thank you
Cathy C
That was a very practable , positive and viable kids management stratagy outside classroom.
Thank you SO very much! I just started substitute teaching in the fall, and classroom management is my biggest problem! (I'm currently a business student, who is a mom, loves school, and loves kids.) We seem to have a fantastic start, but then things fall apart at the end of the day. I would love to find a balance between nice and authoritative...nice is allowing them to push all my buttons. lol I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your videos!
Rob, this video is simple and spot on. Wished I had remembered to follow your classroom management videos at the beginning of the year.
This makes total sense. I have seen a school where kids are lined up in the hallway and greeted at the door. You have added the purpose and the how to do it. Great ideas.
This is 100% spot on. Definitely the best advice on TH-cam for all teachers. I used to teach in one of the toughest schools in NJ and learned this the hard way. Those who dislike this video are probably the kids who want to take over the class.
I really appreciate your positive, respectful approach to students without sacrificing authority.
Quick question: the lining up outside class seems to fit better in elementary school. Would you use this with high school students, or would you vary it in some way?
Thanks!
I’m substitute teaching and I have my good days and very bad days still...I am looking forward to seeing your series.
Thank you Rob! I am an elementary school music teacher in the US and I have a fifth grade class that comes to music right after recess. They are not a bad group but man they are NOISY and I have fallen into some non-constructive patterns with them. This video had a lot of great reminders that I needed!!
That's great to know Martha
I’ve been teaching for 3 years but this month it’s my first time to handle large class . I’m struggling right now and so stress on how to manage my class, most of them has difficulties on focusing , 😢thank you for the video and admitting the failure you’ve done at the first , showing that I can make change from now ,
Good reminders! I'm a 1st-year ESL teacher who's still in the process of improving my classroom management skills. My one success has been in relationship-building and doing a lot of that 'informal chit-chat' w/ the kids. Even my most challenging kids respond well to this. When kids know you genuinely care about them, they are more likely to respect you and work harder for you.
I'll be embarking on my journey as a TEFL teacher to kids in SE Asia next month. I've no idea what to expect from them as I have no teaching experience, but your videos are proving to be a good source of information in preparation for this! Thanks!
My father tells me it used to be the cane. In our day the teacher just ignored the disruptive students, put out harsh report cards if that was required and shouted in class. Today, there is far better classroom management and teachers really relate. The real problem is the student, most of the time, not the excellent teachers. No respect taught at home. When students get into work, especially competitive international work, many can't take the extreme amount of abuse. Hard discipline has its place as well and trains hard people who can take on whatever life/work throws at them.
You mean most can't take corrections. The learners are so pampered.
It could be that it isn't that they aren't taught respect at home, rather, they aren't taught anything- which is to say they are dropped off at school (where all parental responsibility is abrogated) and receive very little interaction, let alone instruction from parents.
Well you could be nice and then become authoritative at the same time. The method always works, and all of my history teachers use it. There will always be that one student who will not pay attention because they've never been properly disciplined. Ignore them, they're wasting your time. Kick them out for all you care it's a nuisance for the rest of the students who want to learn in class.
kids are kids
I was just talking to a coworker about classroom management and not able to tell him how my class was able to work for me. I definitely use informal chitchat, but I can work on more non-confrontational statements. Thanks!
This was brilliant. The non-confrontational aspect was a good reminder for me. I've been so busy addressing negative behaviors it's overwhelming. Going to focus on the good. Thanks for sharing this, even 7 years later it is helpful!
Rob, thank you for your post. I'm approaching my wits end with a particular class. Came across your channel by chance. I have to unlearn what I have learned. I agree, the process starts outside the classroom.
Thank you everyone for your kind comments - it's what makes my work worthwhile! :-)
Rob Plevin Hi Rob, I have a 8 year old going on 9 in October this. Our house doctor diagnosed him with ADHD and then put him on meds when he was still 6 years old. With in 2 weeks of using the medication, he started becoming violent and his tantrums got out of hand. He is a sweet child, but the only way he would have gotten violent was by force, though he loves to argue and debate with a person, but as soon as the violence began and the out of control tantrums. I took him of meds and did it the tough way.
I am not crazy about meds and I think like most parents I was distraught out it.
I have seen his ADHD becoming worse. He has all the signs they can give you. Except most nights he will pass out very early.
I have been thinking about taking him to someone that can do the tests with him to be diagnosed and then taking it from there, but I am still so affraid, as I have seen good stories and bad stories of the tables for ADHD. Even deaths occurring
What do you think about ADHD and what I have told you? All his teacher has told me he is a highly intelligent child, but needs to pay more attention and needs to sit still and start to complete his work in the classroom
I just need some advice from different points of view and it seems you have found your way around the small stuff .
Thanks so much
+Rob Plevin (Behaviour Needs) Thank you so so much! I've just started teaching and this is really helpful for me!
This is even helping me in Mexico with my First Grade students. Thank you. Very useful! ;)
I behaved because I felt sorry for teachers who didn't have the magic at school
This is such a lovely reminder of helping make the transitions smoother for students as well as us teachers. Thanks for the video.
I'm so guilty of the bad habits while managing the class. This is interesting, thank you.
I've been a teacher for 44 years... YOU have reminded me to look for the positive. Thank you...
Thank you x
Also early in my teaching career after a long time in the private sector. I teach EFL to teenager in a technical school in one of the 'poorest' town in Belgium but I'm confident that my experience and skills will help me build effective classroom strategy in my new career. I'm also a visual person and your drawings and key words help me a lot remembering the strategies that I intend to put in place as of next term. Thank you! I also like that fact that you are not ashamed to tell that you struggled at the beginning as I'm also trying hard to cope with my class management. Thanks again for sharing your experience!
THANK YOU for this video! Even though I'm starting year 21 in the classroom, I have an unusually tough group this year, and I can completely relate to your/my failed strategies. Thank you for your vulnerability and willingness to share, and give reat reminders of how to build a positive climate in your classroom & positive relationships with your students!
Excellent video, i've never considered something like this before. I especially like the non confrontation point. I'm starting my PGCE next september, im eager to get stuck in
Over two million views! Gosh Rob - I think people have figured out that you know exactly what you are talking about! Well done!! Your video has certainly given me food for thought - I'm starting in my first ever official teaching position as a volunteer teacher of people from countries far to the north of South Africa on Monday!. Thank you for your advice - I have downloaded your videos and will keep them as permanent reference for when I feel that I am losing my mind!!! Them and my Bible!!!!
Hi, I"m a new substitute teacher and it was my 3rd day. On my first 2 days I thought I was not going to make it! I tried this technique today with all my grades (8 and 9) and even the most difficult class worked very well! I coupled it with "Give me 5" - 5 countdown to settling, and it works amazingly. Hope it continues to work. Thank you so much, what a difference it made!
I found this video so good. I'm a newly qualified teacher and have done the bad things you did. Now I shall change my strategy.
This is EXACTLY what I needed for my current teaching practice class. Thank you!
Hi Mr. Plevin. As someone who''s returning to the teaching profession after a prolonged hiatus, I must tell you that I've been feeling a ton of churning butterflies at the thought of dealing with confrontational students. In truth, I love working with kids, and I was lucky to have developed really good relationships with most of my students. But now and then, I'd hit a wall with an especially tough group. Slowly but surely, I came to acquire a few strategies that worked relatively well, but I never really developed a coherent set of guidelines for effective classroom management techniques, and the books I did read up on the subject never really convinced me all that much. Now, I've only watched your first video on this series, but already I can tell I've discovered a great resource. If I may, I'd like to be able to contact you now and then to pick your mind and maybe get some feedback on issues that may emerge in my once again role as a teacher. Best of luck, Carlos
P.S. My email address is the following: cdvelez@dons.usfca.edu
I envision a lot of learning from you. I am from India and culture plays an immense role while dealing with the tough nuts. Your comment is very educative. Can you share specifics on classroom management?
All of my classroom management training has been "don't smile until Christmas", "MAKE them respect you", and so on. I'm not That Person. I'm far more affable than that, and I've been looking for advice on how to manage effectively with my personality. This first video looks like a great start on that.
Paul I understand how you feel. So many teachers have told me to be a drill sergeant and a complete b*tch but I'm not that way. Like you I'm friendly and cheerful. A great class management program I have found is called Love and Logic. It emphasizes giving consequences in a loving manner. It's been very helpful.
I second that, short sweet and to the point practical advice. Merci beaucoup.
I am still in school learning how to be a teacher but I remember exactly the kind of situation you are talking about from the days I was a student. The things you said in this video reminded me of a History teacher I had that all the students liked and respected. Thank you for the help to make the kind of classroom I want to have one day.
Thanks for the video. It never occurred to me that classroom management needs to start outside of the classroom, but now that I've seen the video, it makes so much sense!
I'm a student studying Education and loving your videos... thank you!!
I realyy need this help. I will try to do what you've said. I'm totally stressed with my students. They don't take me seriously.
how are you doing at school now? have you gotten better at controlling and managing your students successfuly?
A wonderful way to start the day with second and third graders. Thank you for this insight!
Hi Mr.Plevin. I've been a ESL teacher in Turkey for 14 years and I'm dealing with the most difficult group of highschool students ever nowadays..I've only watched this video but it helped me so much already! It cleared my mind and I look forward to watching every single video..thank you so much, I'm sure I'll be more and more grateful as I watch them..
Thank you for letting me know :-)
Thank you! After 10 years of disastrous behaviour management with students, finally someone had told me, in plIn English, how to do it. Thank you a thousand times over!!!
Thank you Rob for taking the time to share these videos. I see you have put some great thought into what you are sharing in your video series. I can see you are heading in the right direction of being proactive vs reactive when it comes to creating the right environment. I too can remember starting a similar journey back in 1994 when teaching students. The yelling which was easy to do did create short-term success that faded quickly away... At that time the quest for guiding behavior vs punishment had begun. Now 20 years later this quest has paid off. Once again Rob, I appreciate all that you are doing to help teachers and parents. Keep up the good work. I salute you and your efforts.
This is good stuff Rob...... meet them on their terms and be positive....
I substitute while I am doing my Teacher Certification. I will try some of your methods to see if it makes my day easier.
Karen James how is it going? Any tips, I'm about to substitute while I'm getting my certificate, I'm so nervous!!
I'm a substitute too while in school for my degree
So glad I found you with your tips. :) So many tips online that do not fit my unique teaching environment, but your tips fit perfectly. Thank you!
This's very enlightening. Yep, I usually ask my most inattentive student why he's walking around, instead of engaging him in positive chats or lesson materials. Thank you for the good tips!
WOW! I have 7 kids in Sunday School, all with severe behavior problems! As a former Special Ed teacher I thought, no sweat. But just about quit last week, after only our first session. I'm gonna try your ideas. and a wing and a prayer! Thank you!!
Thank you. Great advice. I'm a new secondary trainee and have been observing a really difficult class. This video has given me some much needed strategies that I will be putting to use.
Wow, I had never thought about that! So simple! I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow!
Enjoyed this. Really liked that you put your advice in context. Too many people offer advice for classroom management without showing the process of learning. What's next in the pipeline Rob? Would love to see some ideas on reintegration following a breakdown with school.
This is brilliant. I only had a teaching experience a few years ago and as you admitted, I did poorly in managing noisy students. I would like to teach again in the future (currently homeschooling) and now I know there are so many things I could do differently. Thanks for sharing what you've learned with experience!
Thank you so much! I used to do this with all my Music Classes and it definitely worked. We actually chanted "the Music Rules", as well as using body percussion, before entering the classroom so they remembered the expectations. Now that I teach Grade 6, I should go back to that routine and adapt it for my students because they do enter noisily. Thank you for acknowledging (and reminding me) how important it is to establish a proper climate for learning before entering the classroom.
THIS IS BRILLIANT !!! Thank you so much, I have such a terribly behaved ESL class and it ruins my whole day :( I am going to try this... THANK YOU!!!!
Hello Rob. Thank you for this clear and also motivational video. I am in my second year of becoming a science teacher in the Netherlands. This year is my first in front of a class and I experience a lot of problems getting a class to listen and be quiet. This video gives me hope that I will eventually be able to succeed. Thank you very much.
my pleasure Mario
I am a teacher. Well I am qualified to teach. Teaching for 8 years and now I want to quit. My classroom management is a mess. I feel so ineffective and useless. I hope this will motivate me a little. I am an elementary teacher-right across the board. I have them all day, every subject and session.
I'm interested in the response as well!!!
Hope things got better for you! Classroom management is definitely a skill thats hard to master.
Don't give up. If your here u will find ur way...I have only two kids and burn out is real. I don't know how you teach a classroom of young kids and keep it together. I spoil and encourage my daughter first grade teacher. The struggle is real and the pressure, I can only imagine. But I'm just a mom with 2 little ones and I'm solo parent in a new state no family to help and husband traveling never been a teacher but I do feel out numbered @ times. I'm here to find ways to parent positive as I've fallen unto yelling out of stress but l just want to remind you to take care of yourself first. EVERYDAY! Even if it's just 5min. Plan it. Take hot bath (with candle ) make favorite drink. At work teaching, put golf ball in ur drawer and when ur sitting sneak shoe off put ball under foot and roll ur stress away in seconds. (Shoulder shrugs and deep breathing great when u have no time) I'm not going to go on I think u got it. Be kind to ur self. I hope you don't give up. God bless
This does not work if your students are already inside the classroom.
I stopped Teaching after 16 years.
Best decision I ever made.
Non-confrontational statements are great also because they highlight students behaving well, instead of giving all the spotlight to students behaving badly. That little bit of attention for quiet or polite students can mean the world to them.
I have over twenty years experience in teaching and I still learn so much from your videos. thanks so so much
My pleasure