3 Steps to Get Your Class Back

Often times as teachers we can feel like our classes have really gotten away from us. The question is what do you do to get your classroom back on track?
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Music
Kia Orion
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/orion-radio/id1303207770?mt=2

[@newaan1]

I am a new teacher and can't even say how much listening to you helps me everyday run my class

[@witherswriters4563]

I had a really rough day today. I was sitting in my room crying and listening to KZbin because I didn't want to be alone. Thank you for being there when I really needed it.

[@CJReynolds]

I’m really sorry to hear about your day. I’m glad I could help in some Small way. I hope you have a really wonderful weekend and a better week next week.

[@kathrynwooldridge8031]

Today was my second day of teaching. Yesterday was a dumpster fire 😂. I came in today with a plan and it was a complete turnaround. We all had a good day!

[@Shinyfinder]

"Building a culture of your class being a place they want to be in", that hit me!

[@chelseaeverlyorman7153]

Any time I find myself not looking forward to a specific class, I know it's time to change. I love teaching and want to find joy in it, and I'm not OK with giving up on that. For one particularly challenging class, getting them started quietly on a bellwork in their class was really tough but was also KEY to having a good rest of the class period. If the first five minutes went well, the whole class went well. So, I stood by the door and told them they had to enter silently and get started silently. If they talked, they had to come back out and try again. To incentivize, I tallied on the board every day they made it happen, and when we got to 5, I brought in donuts. It worked!

[@birdee18]

I had a class about eight years ago that drove me insane. It was only 19 kids, and there was only one girl in the class. I had them right after lunch, and oh were they wound up when they came in! I couldn’t seem to do anything. Finally in late January, I laid down the law. I became mean Ms. Derb. I didn’t give them an inch. It was very difficult because that’s not my nature, but it’s what I had to do. They pushed back at first, but things began improving after a month. Then I got a phone call at lunch one day saying that a dear family friend had passed away. When the kids came in they knew I had been crying, so I told them what had happened. They immediately wanted to comfort me. Boys who had been so defiant just a month ago were trying to hug me or hold my hand or say something sweet. That was a turning point for us. By the end of the year they had become my favorite class. Things weren’t perfect, but there was teaching and learning going on. We could laugh and joke and then get down to business. Thanks for sharing this, CJ. I know you’ll help other teachers.

[@frankscrank99]

Kids need boundaries sooo bad! Thats why that sort of thing works! You have high expectations and made sure they knew what they should do.

[@tayzavala283]

My heart....I just started as a SPED teacher for High School and my kids come with a ton of baggage. I started at a Para with some of the same students and it's rough. Your level of relatability towards those boys does so much. Appreciate your channel so much.

[@jasminehill2426]

I think I'm going to film my kiddos asking themselves questions tomorrow. Even the silly questions were so wholesome and genuine... They will love watching those in the future!

[@jasminehill2426]

PS: SO TRUE. Snacks and SIT WHEREVER YOU WANT. They love it. I don't care as long as you're learning.

[@jimmystate]

Well so it was actually three years after you posted this but again you've helped another brand new teacher who is struggling with six graders I come from the CTE world wasn't meant to teach six graders but that is my life right now and I'm trying to do the best I can thank you so much for the videos that you have posted I think I might've seen a video where you're not teaching any longer but what a huge contribution if you're not teaching anymore you served your time and done well by so many people thank you

[@CJReynolds]

Hey Jimmy! Thanks for the kind words! I moved out of the classroom and am now helping teachers full time. Funny where life takes us. Please let me know if I can ever help out. ✌🏽

[@emilymacaluso5250]

In some other video you mention that your school lost 3 students to gun violence the previous year... but I think it says a lot about you and the way you put your channel together and the positive messages you put out there that someone could see your students and think that they were privileged private school kids. You and your students give me a lot of hope for the future.

[@halliematherne1975]

You hit the nail on the head with the stickers. My senior year AP psychology class begged for stickers for A’s.

[@LataArtist]

It never ceases to amaze me how all of my students, even the older ones love having stickers put on their progress tracker. This is a simple and effective idea. Keep sharing Reynolds.

[@christinas3757]

I teach on my school's high school & middle school floor. I just had a "reboot" with my middle school students this week! This is a timely reminder, and I appreciate that you have positive incentives, and negative consequences established for your students. This is how the world outside the classroom works, and you've demonstrated that the extrinsic motivators help provoke the intrinsic ones! Thanks for the encouraging video!

[@CJReynolds]

Exactly. Your welcome and best of luck to you with the rest of the year! We got this!! 💪🏽

[@timbaker5315]

You are not "getting away with stuff." You are reaching out to and meeting and teaching your students where they are. Thank you for all you do.

[@aubreymikos9053]

One of my favorite "reward basket" items is all the conference swag (ahem, free....) that I pick up. Pencils, stress balls, college stickers, calendars, jump drives..... kids love that crap. =) And while I love the idea of making those rewards for the kids who are passing, I think we have to be really careful about how we announce that. For example, telling the class "If you're failing sit in the front" and then those 5 kids have to go up is just going to either piss them off or make it more of a power struggle/spectacle. Either way, they're not going to want to do better. But pulling those kids aside INDIVIDUALLY and having that conversation about why they are sitting where they are would be so helpful! Let them know you're watching and want to help them as much as possible (which is why you need them so close). Maybe a different incentive prize once in a while (like for the kid who goes from 20% to 30% in the class.... still failing, but improvement!).

[@cmoldovan7]

Awesome advice!!! First year ELA teacher here dealing with some difficult middle school savages. Really feeling desperate and overwhelmed, not knowing how or if I'm gonna make it through the rest of this year. Losing my mind and my students to constant disruptions and bad classroom management. Feeling like a failure. Thinking its too late to get them back this year. But this video was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Perfect timing. Can't wait to implement these tips. Thank you so much. Keep making videos!!!!!!!

[@TeacherTherapy]

Great advice!!! It is amazing how small rewards make kids go bananas! I need to do it more!!! :)

[@debbieleyva]

I agree with everything you said 1000%! Most students will not learn to love history (my subject) and the intrinsic joy of learning if you can’t even get them to try it! You can do that two ways-try to force them to do it or give them incentives to just try it. The second method is just way more fun for everyone! I will also attest to the love high school students have for cheap crap from the dollar store! I bought a “treasure chest” from Amazon in which I keep just tons of dollar store items like little containers of Play dough and scrunchies and knock-off Rubic’s cubes and fake spiders and just whatever. The privilege of being able to choose an item out of Doc Brown’s treasure chest is legendary, lol! People keep telling me year after year that this won’t work with 16 and 17 year old kids, and year after year it does. I also use fake money and, even better, gold (chocolate) coins! Stickers are awesome, even hideous ones I get free in the mail from Easter Seals. Reynolds doesn’t know this, but the girls like food too! lol! And in proximity to holidays, every student gets something from me. Inexpensive, but they love it! And I do weird not-real holidays too. Ex. For May 4 (Star Wars Day, i.e. May the Fourth), last year I gave each of my students a bookmark that was shaped like R2-D2. A message was coming out of him that said, “Reading...it’s our only hope.” I think it cost around $13 for all 135 students, but they appreciate stuff like that so much!

[@johnlopez3996]

Hooray for smelly stickers! I remember being in second grade and my reading teacher asked me to come by her room after achool one day. She asked me to write a word on a sheet of paper that I had misspelled on my spelling test. She then took my paper, looked at it, and then took a bit size Mounds from her desk. I learned about being careful and remembering to check my work before handing it in so that I did not make careless errors. Enjoy your week, Reynolds.

[@nakitalovesyhuu]

I already knew so many things that I have watched you say on your channel and yet hearing you say them and remind me of all these things is so special and so helpful. This is my first teaching job (Choir Director) and just watching these videos has given me a whole new sense of peace and has cast away all of the anxiety that I had toward my first year. Thank you so much. Keep doing what you are doing and thank you for being a logical and supportive person in this extremely emotional and unsteady field.

[@megangmire]

This couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you so much CJ!!

[@ludanunu]

The kid giving CJ production directions is everything

[@feliciareynolds1732]

The first semester of my first year of teaching was a total mess (dumpster fire). After winter break, my students and I both came back. I did what you were talking about, I addressed them and accepted some responsibility for how things were going (not good) but told them I wanted things to be better and I thought we could do that together. However, I also asked them for their feedback and suggestions.

[@brianna_archer]

I totally agree that extrinsic rewards are worth it if that's what kids will work for. I teach 7th graders at an alternative school, and there is not much intrinsic motivation. Plus the rewards just make it more fun to learn.

[@chikaokolo4929]

Much love and respect. Thanks for keeping it positive.

[@shortmocha850]

That’s what my mentor told me my first year (currently) at my old school. She said once you lost them in the beginning it’s all over. Thanks for this video. I feel much better. I’ll try to implement those things because I was saying maybe next year

[@Dr.D-hk9rh]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you. I have been teaching for a while, and I have been dealing with difficult students most of the time, no matter where I have taught. But the apathy is real, and I LOVE the incentive idea! Hot chocolate in class?! Yep, that is what I am going to do!

[@EFsuffolks]

I am not a teacher But I am an adult leader for 3 youth organizations and I love your videos because it just gives simple tips Thank you

[@marymagana465]

Love your quick videos! you really bring it down to reality. Keep it up for some of us who are looking for ways to reach everyone of our students.

[@Geebooboo1]

I really admire you. You are my teaching soulmate/spirit animal. Great job!

[@kateventimiglia324]

We appreciate you too!

[@alysonserenastone2917]

Thank you for being honest about private school and charter schools having problems too. I teach in a private school and everyone assumes that I don't have any problems teaching or my students don't. It doesn't matter why kind of school to it is, kids are still going to have baggage and still be kids.

[@techielabteacher]

Great message ! Exactly - we need to show the public what we as teacher add to our students' life when there is so much going on in their community

[@branaldridge5820]

Great video! You never have to wait for a restart. I know a few fellow teachers with the, "I'll do it right next year" attitude. Nope! Our kids deserve better just be dealt with.

[@10sandytoes]

YESSS!!!! Best video award! Love your mindset and motivation as a teacher. You're a true inspiration, for us new teachers! (Probably old ones too!)

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks Mica! I appreciate the kind words. I’m happy to be able to help😊❤️

[@dwynnell]

Love your videos. I’ve been teaching for years and you affirm everything that is part of my daily practice. I love the fact that you mentioned you were taking former students out for supper. I’ve got a bunch of former students that are my dearest friends now. Just went to be a godfather for one of my students. For your information, I have a bucket of lollipops. Correct answers to intelligent questioning earn a lollipop. End of the week, any student that has a smart question for me - wins a lollipop. All workbooks that are completed correctly get a sticker. I also put the names of my students on the covers of the workbooks, makes it easier when throwing them back at ‘em. 😜

[@tylavidal1481]

It is 2 years later that I am watching this!!! I will implement this in the new class year this August!!! Thank you CJ !! I will use these ideas

[@thomashackerforgedknives2533]

This is super insightful. I never thought about it this way. Now I just have to figure out how to get around The allergy aware part of my classroom!

[@stefanbirac9413]

God bless you brother and thank you for what you are doing. You care. God's light is shining through you.

[@CJReynolds]

That’s incredibly kind of you to say. Thank you Stefan😊

[@CeeCee5435]

This was really good! I wish I would’ve watched this last semester. Today was my first day of a new semester with new kids and I am super motivated.

[@Pinl5349]

Such awesome kids

[@carolkennedy6426]

I just found your videos in the past week, and I LOVE your perspective. I love that you refer to "my boys and the wonderful souls that they are." I also love that you said, "My job is missional." It's almost as if I don't have that perspective, I can't keep the care for my students uppermost. Also love the students that you include in your videos. They are great!

[@knuthenkelmann3211]

Hi there from Germany, I highly appreciate your diy/Punk approach to teaching.

[@toniencheff4046]

Thank you, Reynolds, for your vocation of enriching your students... and all of us. ❤️❤️❤️☘️☘️☘️☘️

[@sdelliott31]

Love the flexible seating! Bahahah Making Top Ramen. Get the Hat while cooking. Best video yet!

[@susanwhite3419]

Thank you, thank you. Please keep it up!

[@CJReynolds]

Thank you!☺️❤️

[@tripoutart]

You’re a genius! I’ve been teaching for the past 2 years and every time I come into a hard time, I watch your videos and get useful and helpful ideas to connect with my students! I’m going to try to make Hot Chocolate for my kids. Thanks!

[@PinkOpera]

Lol just saw this..2 years later, but it’s September 😊😂❤ Thank you for the great tips!

[@123marksalot]

Although I’m not technically a teacher yet (I start my first real teaching job in March) I interned at my states worst preforming middle school. One thing I saw that almost all of the teachers had a problem with was kids not doing homework. I had a theory that I plan on implanting in my classroom and that’s by setting up a reword system where if the kid got a certain grade or accumulation of a certain grade that they can “buy” a homework pass on a homework assignment. I also plan on having their first assignment (I’m going to be an English teacher) to write a paper or essay introducing themselves to me, what they love to do, what their favorite show is, or what ever they want to write about. This not only will quickly let me asses each kids writing ability and where they are at, but by letting them write whatever they want to write about it gives them a sense that someone is listening, and if they are passionate about a subject they will be excited about actually doing the assignment (at least that’s what I hope will happen I haven’t actually been able to try it yet lol😅)

[@androschizo]

We have a phone punch card system where they get a point a day if they turn their phone in. It is a great behavior management strategy and helps A LOT of kids who are at risk of failing!

[@theragingranga3936]

Pretty funny that I am, indeed, watching this two years later in July... Thanks for the great tips, Mr Reynolds!!

[@CJReynolds]

My pleasure! Just a heads up… We are putting on a back to school boot camp to help teachers start the year off right! The boot camp will focus on building relationships with students and classroom management. It’s a two night event on August 9&10 at 7:30 pm est. Here’s the link: reynolds.samcart.com/products/back-to-school-bootcamp

[@theragingranga3936]

@@CJReynolds Thank you so much! I'll definitely check it out. Your videos have been a life saver.

[@GetGood5]

Great video. Thanks

[@CJReynolds]

You are welcome!

[@mariaoterodiaz1653]

Thank you so much for your videos!!! You are a true educator and Patriot!!!

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks Maria! I really really appreciate the comment. ❤️☺️

[@vcalesco]

Just gave my first 2 classes! I am very excited and nervous, your videos are helping me a lot. I am an english teacher in a brazilian school, your tip about using a water gun made me a very popular teacher among students and other teachers, they really love it, but everyone was trying to steal my water pistol!

[@romanzemar5166]

I bought the pistol myself but haven't dare use it yet: it's not quite "pedagogical" and works in the reverse by making those most disobedient as such even more.

[@richardroyster405]

Great ideas CJ! I just want to say that in my school and district, you could "get away with" 99% of the stuff I've seen on your channel. I'm going to be sharing this video with my staff.

[@sabinadallmeyer9768]

My students live for noodles! Haha. This was a great, timely encouragement.

[@hannahbiermann3541]

These videos never disappoint! Thanks so much always!

[@lubnan2936]

Great idea of earning their seat!

[@ethancha9361]

This is beautiful. I might not do the whole "put your students that are failing at the front", because for some students that might be very shameful. I know that that tactic may work for some students, but I can see that backfiring. You're right that all high school kids just want to eat and sleep. This is VERY true. I also liked that you pointed out the fallacy that students should learn for the joy of learning. Sure, they should, but we don't live in that kind of world. No one works an 8 hour shift at a diner because they love being a waiter/waitress. Take away that paycheck and you'd find something else to do real quick. Students like being rewarded, throw'em some starbursts or a mini bag of chips, that'll switch things up.

[@CJReynolds]

Absolutely, the idea is to know your school environment, your students and how to tweak things to specifically to work for your class!

[@texasvet2729]

That first kid needs to do stand up comedy 😂😂😂

[@Mykidsaresmarterthanyours]

Your boys 💜

[@mellen66]

Reynolds, yes... seating and structure are key. 😉

[@Leo0991]

I go to UPenn right now, I'm in the area! You are inspirational!

[@PaperKrate]

I love your videos. I love your attitude. Thank you.

[@MdeMaja]

The first 8 min 😍 your students 😍 owww❤

[@CJReynolds]

I agree ☺️❤️

[@CJReynolds]

My plan is to send that to them on the 10 year mark of that video😂

[@savannahapedaile]

Hey Reynolds! Thanks for the videos, you're making me so excited to teach. 💜 Do you tell the whole class why kids are sitting in the front or just tell those specific kids?

[@rubyrose2522]

Awe I freaking love this

[@paulasierra5186]

soooo dope! thanks!

[@mikegodfrey2221]

Weird crap -love it

[@mariachiara7111]

This is so true! I just made a video on how I got my class back after months (didn't involve food though :D... I wish)

[@brennanstriegel2027]

Mind reader?? Just what I needed to hear.

[@reneenehring7855]

Brennan Striegel right?! The timing could not have been any better for this video!

[@arimandel5472]

Mr. Reynolds, do you have a recommended reading list for current/future teachers? In addition to your book, obviously.

[@jakelopez3181]

Great vid

[@rebeccadann8389]

I like the desk mandate under a certain grade, how would you notify them that a student must now sit in a desk?

[@CJReynolds]

All communications with students, parents, and admin are in written form. I will sometimes do a phone call or pull a kid aside, but I ALWAYS follow up with an email. Then I have written documentation of what is happening. I also address such matters by focusing on what is best for the student. It is never looked at as a punishment.

[@mezonaman4539]

14:11 Anyone else watching this two years later in July?

[@CJReynolds]

Somethings never get old. My best to you buddy!

[@Brycedavis25]

"This is a really quick video" Checks the video time *15 minutes* 😂

[@CJReynolds]

I always think I’ll be quick and then… 🤦🏽‍♂️😂

[@abbysmith3902]

Does the food become a distraction in the class? Are the students in the front seats allowed to have the food? How do you prevent that if they aren't?

[@shawnmoorhead7480]

How do you prevent the students who have not earned the rewards from say going back and helping themselves to the hot chocolate?

[@CJReynolds]

Great question. 1. Have someone in charge of the it so that students do not have direct access. 2. Building relationships helps with this because it helps to build trust between you and the student and once a student has your trust, they do not want to lose it. 3. I let students know that I trust you until you give me a reason not to trust you. Not to mention that not all rewards and opportunities are for every student so if I know that I can’t trust a kid or someone betrays my trust the next time I don’t have to include you in the reward.

[@matakikis]

Hi there! Quick question, Do you always bring snacks to class or you just do it from time to time? Do students expect the snacks regularly or is there some kind of surprise factor involved?

[@CJReynolds]

I don’t always bring snacks to class. They don’t expect it, I use snacks as leverage when necessary.

[@matakikis]

Real Rap With Reynolds thank you for the help :)

[@heidisalyer5021]

Can you help?? I go into another teacher's class for my lessons and can't change the seating or set up anything permanent. It's only 2 hours a week and I just had my FIRST class with them (freshman). About 20 out of the 30 students were disruptive, every teacher has complained about them. There are so many of them and so many misbehaving, I feel like it will be impossible to get a handle on the class. When I try to speak, they do things like moving their desks and chairs to make screeching sounds so I can't even finish my sentences. Any suggestions are welcome!

[@bridgetriggs5248]

How do you get permission from parents for the boys to be in the videos?

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Bridget, I give out permission slips at the beginning of the year for students that want to be apart of what we are doing.

[@sarahtaylor2284]

I love the incentivizing idea... however I would have parents tear me a new one if I set this up. It's not FAIR that I am showing that students who are not doing well are called out. I keep hitting that wall of "unfairness" that I've all but given up on this idea. :(

[@frankscrank99]

Why would moving the students for a better chance of their success be unfair? (Wording, so much of it comes down to wording.) Make sure the students and parents see it as a positive and helpful, not as a negative.

[@jessicao9765]

Parents need to understand fair does not mean equal. What their child needs is not the same as what other students need.

[@Tales2TellU]

When I student-taught, my host teacher implemented something similar, but from a different angle: she had a "Star Students" table. Only the best kids, both in grades and behavior, got to sit at that table. She rotated which kids were chosen each week, but they had to have at least a B, work hard in class, and have top-notch behavior. The table had all of the best supplies for each kid, and a special treat each day. They also got to leave a minute before the rest of the class. The kids knew what they had to do to get a spot, and they worked HARD to get to that table!

[@Kayje]

So, what if I approached this in the wrong way to my class and so they see it as punishment. How would I go about trying to make them see, I am doing these structures because I care and not because I want to punish you?

[@sherihenderson8206]

OK, I LOVE this, but what would you do when the failing students bring their own food into the classroom and share it only with the other students who are failing?

[@rodolfoceballosanizan1639]

I also feel that God wants me to be a teacher for some wise purpose that is beyond my understanding. Thanks. I kind of felt alone in that regards. I also love my college students. I'm also not getting enough money for what I do, but for some reason that doesn't stop me from teaching. Thanks for sharing.

[@CJReynolds]

100% get what you’re saying. I made a video last June about “why not be fire. “I think you might really like it based on what you’re saying here. My best to you my friend. Peace.

[@rodolfoceballosanizan1639]

@@CJReynolds I saw your video "why not be fire." My experience completely. The way I teach and manage my classes has been, at best, ignored; at worst, it has been criticized harshly. But, just to shake things up, I'll follow your advice. I will try to invite some of the other teachers to experience the joy we experience almost in a daily basis. Thanks again. Greetings from Queretaro, Mexico.

[@KeaLynn]

Do you have to do incentives everyday for it to work? && would they misbehave if theres a day without an incentive? (Not trying to challenge you, genuinely curious haha)

[@MrHernandezTeaches]

How would you feel if your school made you move rooms? I've taught in my school five years and have had 6 rooms!

[@cindyriehm7411]

Why would his school be any different then usual?

[@Im6ix]

notification gang

[@mellen66]

a dumpster fire for a whole year..... hahhahahaha.....yup !

[@staskorop]

Bro, help me. I'm an English teacher in Ukraine. How to make my students at school learn English with pleasure?❤️❤️

[@glemmstengal]

It's all about engagement. Give them something to do while they learn. Make it active, make it fun. Try to change what you are doing every 7-10 minutes! Do not do the same activity for 30-60 minutes in a row. Also, do not underestimate the power of group learning and peer learning.

[@gotbehavior]

#HamFan