I’m a beginning teacher — might have a job at a middle school soon. Can anyone tell me how much of a challenge classroom management is for 6th grade? I’m not sure what to expect, honestly. I don’t want my whole presence at school to be about classroom management.
#1 by lilylilylily[: on February 5th, 2011
Quote
oh man. dont ever teach a 6th grade class. teach a 7th or 8th
because 6th graders are like just trying out new things in a middle school. most of them still act like little kids. they will be like running around like crazy. well that’s what my class was like. maybe yours wwould be different. good luck though.
#2 by McmC on February 5th, 2011
Quote
1 Silence any group or class – as soon as you walk in the room – even if it’s a group you’ve never taught before!
2 Get pupils to follow your instructions – within 30 seconds – without confrontation and without resentment.
3 Put an end to inappropriate questions immediately so that you can maintain control instead of being the butt of a cheeky pupil’s jokes and comments
4 Gain support from senior staff, parents and other colleagues – without this the job is very difficult!
5 Motivate all pupils – especially low achievers – to produce more work for you than they’ve ever done in their school careers
6 Get pupils to sit quietly and actually listen when you’re talking
7 Put an end to low level disruption such as chatting… sniggering… whispering… tapping… throwing things and wandering
8 Stop ALL pupils from swearing – no matter how old they are and no matter how bad their current behavior is
9 Deal with major confrontations and crises calmly and swiftly – knowing full well that you are in total control every step of the way. No more panicking, no more shaking and no more worrying that you could lose it at any moment.
#3 by Rod J on February 5th, 2011
Quote
To paraphrase the Tale of Two Cities, the best of times and the worst of times. Make your expectations and rules clear and hold to them. Students don’t respect “wishy-washy”. Always remember less is more when dealing with students. Yelling is not discipline. If a warning is given and ignored, that’s a challenge and you must meet it and win. If you have a supportive administrator make them a part of your plan, otherwise you’ll have to improvise and may end up using your lunch time to keep students in. Try not to let your emotions get the best of you and speak in a firm but neutral tone. Your message should be that you want them to do their best and allow others to do the same. Anyone interfering with that will be held accountable. Don’t become sarcastic or hold grudges. You’re the role model. Some of your toughest students will become some of your greatest admirers if you are consistent and fair in your discipline. You will make mistakes and don’t be afraid to apologize for them. You’ll get more effective as you gain experience and find those “worst of times” are being outnumbered by the “best of times”. Good Luck!
#4 by JustLilOldMe on February 5th, 2011
Quote
Every class is different. You might have a very good group of children eager to learn or a bunch of goof offs. My personal experience is different than lilylily’s – every 6th grade I’ve been in is better than the 7th/8ths. Just keep your classroom management consistant and be ready for them to test you, like any class.
#5 by nubiangeek on February 5th, 2011
Quote
You can’t look like you are scared or they will eat you for lunch. You need to have an appearance of authority while at the same time being fair. Watch Sister Act 2.
#6 by Maria F on February 5th, 2011
Quote
Congratulations: You have the privilege of teaching minds that are WIDE open sponges! The sixth grade is probably the most pivotal grade of all. They are past the point where you will be teaching them tedious basics. They are at the start of the really fun and interesting stuff. Every class is different. Every class has different needs. Here is just a little advice. Just know that I would LOVE to teach this age group.
1. Your kids are individuals. If necessary, work with other teachers to develop an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) for problem students (behavioral or otherwise) Just remember, they ARE individuals. Keep an open mind.
2. Know your students. The only way to break through, to get to the “aha!” moment is to know what snaps that interest back to what you are trying to get across. Stay on track and keep that energy high and calm.
3. Maintain the line. You are a professional. It is so easy to just adore those little faces like they are your own. They are not. This does not mean be cold, it means give them all the professional attention they deserve. Favoritism and pets are best left to grandparents and doting Aunts.
4. It is true that you need to capture their attention immediately. Always start your lessons (each subject) with a FUN icebreaker. Your kids will look forward to what you are going to pull out of your pocket next. They have a lot of excitement that can be steered toward learning – HARNESS THAT ENTHUSIASM!!!! Occasionally get them up out of their seats to burn off a little energy.
5. ***Bear in mind that there will be someone who does not fit your picture of an ideal classroom. Remember that I.E.P.? If the problem is not bad enough to bring to the attention of other teachers, start at the source by creating your own little I.E.P. Talk to the student without other students around. Avoid a scene where you are singling out the student like he or she is in trouble. Simply start an activity and quietly ask to speak to the child. Make a deal. Don’t make it extravagant, just a smiley face on a chart, or a bit of extra one-to-one attention, a minute or two, something to build up over the week. Use lots of smiles and encouragement in a discouraging behavioral situation. Mostly the student just wants some attention.
6. Lastly, and this is So so important: you must Create a reward for work well done. You may find this works well for your entire class.
****Kids Simply Want Attention***
Frankly, you are a VERY lucky teacher. 6th grade is just… *sigh*… fun!
Oh! And on the disciplinary side… You shouldn’t have to get firm with them often because it loses effect, but if you can switch on Ms. Mean Teacher quick and then switch it back to Ms. Sweet Encouragement, it’ll keep them on their toes. They will not want to incur your wrath.
Keep the lights low when possible- turn them off when the sun is bright.
Avoid yelling. Talking quietly and enunciating pointedly forces them to quiet each other and pay attention. Use the stand-to-attention-and-stare-them-down-silently-one-by-one-tactic. This definitely works.
If necessary, a door slamming shut or a book slammed onto your own desk works wonders. Use this with extreme prudence. You don’t want to plant a “seed” idea.
All the best of luck!