Hello Joris,

I’ve just read your post several times so as to make out a clear idea about your situation. Let’s see if I can tell you something helpful.

First premise, whatsoever labour you have done with your students so far is not a lost battle, believe me. Keep cool. Your concerning for them is kept by them, they may look unconcerned nonetheless.

Your improving as a teacher and as a person will be reckoned by them. I’d tell you not to think you were too, say, lenient, and now you’ve got to be sort of Mr Sergeant. Or at least, learn from failures and achievements.

Perhaps, tell them, at the beginning of this semester, on the very first day, tell them or report to them about what was wrong with them and their behaviour and their learning science... and what was great, because of this reason, because of that reason (so the why’s).

Young people adhere themselves to good when presented and showed to them. Speak to them in simple terms, not too long, and adress each one looking in his eyes. Set houserulers, just the necessary ones and the ‘why’ (I confess I didn’t know the word ‘houseruler’, I liked it – sounds funny; don’t get me wrong).

Make them up and move round for some class purpose: they are very young and they need move.

Plan your class. Take what worked fine and discard what didn’t work. Stop talking whenever the first ‘spark’ of a ‘riot’, or just a likely distracting chattering between two kids. Silence is very eloquent. Get sincerely concerned about each of them, about the way each feel in the class; and gently praise and smile whenever one student says something correct: give value to the small progress they’ll definitely attain. Authentic affection draws them to the right direction, no doubt.

Focus on the positive stuff that is going on in your classes. Ask each student a question and give an acceptable reply, as though any response would be fine: tentatively any response can be acceptable. It may entail progress.

The ‘Parents Day’? Oh, I have passed through the same situations. Well, you can do that day what works fine with them in the regular classes, and practise that day’s session making them aware that day they will show off their best. Tell them what they are doing well lately, and let them know this stuff will be showed off that very day.

Rope your students in the classes. Try.

It’s their ‘business’, ultimately: their process of learning science.

Best wishes! At your disposal.

Fernando Diez Gallego

Teacher of English. Teacher trainer/coach

Granada (Spain)

http://fernandoexperiences.blogspot.com

It is better to bring in new rules at the beginning of a new semester, its easier for the kids to deal with. Also, the parent's day might be the opportunity you need to speak to those kids' parents about their behaviour and get the parents on your side, parents will likely have bigger influence over the kids. 

Hi Clov,

Thanks for your comment. I have already acted, by writing some very clear comments on my report cards. At parents day I have also been clear. Hope that this will work. I also started to speak a bit louder and more decisive, and yes, I will set very clear sharper rules next term.

Thanks again,

all the best,

Joris