Taking Charge of an Out of Control Classroom

[@daniellewilliams5352]

I watched this video this morning because I was really having a hard time with two of my classes. I tried this method today and it really worked!!! The only thing I didn’t do was confess that it was my fault for not being clear about the rules in the beginning. I didn’t make it my fault. But we did not move on until the class was totally quiet. I gave marks to three students in the process and it took about 10 minutes but by the end the students were so quiet and respectful!!!! I am so thankful I listened to this it had to be God!

[@thomashackerforgedknives2533]

Danielle Williams I’m having the same issue with one of my classes!! So did you just stop teaching(talking) when they stated to talk? And then start again when they quieted down?? I just feel like I need a few more details! Thanks!

[@renecantu5386]

​@@thomashackerforgedknives2533

[@lydiadugan8368]

Excellent advice. It is pure common sense. Most teachers give up when they lose control and blame themselves.

[@jakkifrance]

The class starts for me the minute they enter, I greet them with a smile, handshake and music it sets the tone for the class. Getting any disruptive students on board by deflecting behaviour is always something that works for me...by giving them a job or including them within my starter planned activity

[@digitalmedia1797]

Thank you! I feel like you're speaking right to me!! I just started teaching in an inner-city middle school. Being a new teacher in the middle of the year is tough...but I love the students and I am trying my best!! Thanks for your encouragement!!

[@bludgusc1]

I have never left a KZbin comment until now. Thank you for your video. This is my first year teaching art in an inner city public school and I was unprepared for the challenges that I would be facing with my students. I was in the middle of planning yet another great lesson that only a few kids would listen to when I stumbled onto your channel. I've been told many platitudes about being a good teacher but your advice is excellent, on point and proactive. I want my students to love learning as much as I love teaching and tomorrow I am hell bent on getting my classroom back! So thank you, thank you THANK YOU and wish me luck :)

[@dilettante4453]

Caitlin Bludgus Hiii does it seem that things are getting better?

[@craigseganti8514]

Yes, how did it work out?

[@Inkerella110]

Really needed to hear this. Currently teaching kids and it’s got on the brink of a meltdown... 3 weeks in! Thanks a bunch, bless your heart!

[@heyheyhey40]

Thank you sir. I agree with your initial statement. Teaching is HARD. But we are responsible for the engagement and the effectiveness of the classroom management in our rooms. We should continually evaluate and modify our methods. Our students have very strong personalities and unfortunately, school is seen as an obstacle to the “fun” things that they would rather do with their day. We’ve got to work like hell to motivate them to learn.

[@simoniao.carterdtm8989]

I walk to the front of the class.... I say.... I’m ready to Teach.... Are You ready to Learn ???? YES YES!!!! Then they reply.... Thank You .... Love this video!

[@sedgewick77]

I like how you recommend involving the students in the corrective process. No doubt students want to learn, and if they recognize why the learning environment isn't facilitating learning then they are more likely to recognize their role in that dysfunction- and their role in the solution. You shared so much great advice- and coaching!

[@loriemoore4557]

Thanks brother. I taught my first bible class today to 10-13 yr olds. Rude awakening for me! However I have a word for these kids and you made me understand that we need to establish structure before we can get it going the way I would like. Thanks and keep teaching

[@Bondwithjames]

Confidence and consistency are essential. I observed a teacher a few years ago trying to implement a classroom rule building process (like you described). I had to stop my observation to step in because the process was going downhill. Part of the issue, as you mentioned, was building rapport and following through with expectations. Unfortunately, the teacher left after the first year.

[@monicamoreno5657]

Hi there! I am a new teacher and just needed to listen to this to help me reflect on my classroom management/discipline, which I think I need to work on. I love teaching and love working with children. Love your advice. Thanks!

[@buddingnaturalist]

Thank you god for putting this video in my recommended feed. Had me hooked right from the point where personal responsibility was stressed (15 secs in?). I've had too many teachers (and school management) whinge about-well these kids don't have parents that care or boundaries at home so we're just gonna let them do what they like at school. My response has always been-if they don't have that at home we have to be even more consistent with those boundaries (and rewards and consequences around them) at school because we're *all* these kids have got. Because when we fail to teach them what boundaries are and how they work, the next person *teaching* them will be the prison warden. Thanks Classficient!

[@michellesteventon5007]

So true persistence and and consistence! I have taken students aside and spoken to them. They do know that I care. Also, for you to understand them, you need to get to know their backgrounds. This will help you to show compassion because some of our students are going through a lot, and it’s up to us to take the time to find this out! Be persistent and consistent because your students deserve it!

[@WinAtLottery]

The problem I have with this is that I can tell them how much I care all I want but that does nothing if they don’t care. I’ve done your method many times, it doesn’t work. They will take the time I’m using to write teaching=learning on the board to do what they want. If I write that on the board, they laugh and then yell at each other to shut up.

[@Qrayon]

That answers my question.

[@TouchofShunshine]

Building a rapport with students is so important. From day one if a student is not doing what he/she should contact the parent. Most parents care about their kid's education. The disruptive student needs to be taken aside and asked why they are misbehaving and most of the time they do not know. Make sure to let them know that you want them to succeed and you will do what you can to ensure that they do succeed. Other words take a personal interest in the child and involve parents.

[@tanyawadley6902]

The problem is that if you are in a high poverty area or inner-city school, reaching parents is very challenging... both parents work, they have not provided contact information. Good luck to me and the thousands of teachers that literally can't contact parents or the parents don't call back because they are so overwhelmed with their problems. I think this can work... but if it doesn't then I may someday end up in a different school.

[@perfectsplit5515]

I would expect that in an inner-city school with impoverished students, many of the kids would be in single-parent families.

[@ladybugauntiep]

Shay Rollins I’ve found that often parents need help too.

[@craigseganti8514]

When you have 20 disruptive students, do you pull them all aside? How does this idealism about students which has failed for 30 years in the cities perpetuate? Schools where 'caring' is the key to education are always the worst. First step: Admit you have a problem and get out of denial.

[@lis819]

That was brilliant! Thanks :))

[@gracygrey9734]

Being a teacher is tough and deserves way more than they get. Dealing with kids who feel like because you ain't they momma they can disrespect and do whatever takes great skill to manage. I know they feel like stepping out of their profession sometimes especially with those high schoolers whoa 😲

[@sadhvitakhandare]

All this is actually true. The students behavior is an outcome of our own conscious or subconscious negative mindset about them. Nobody likes to be disliked. Totally agree with you sir. You are a very good teacher.

[@craigseganti8514]

Maybe your behavior is an outcome of students' own conscious or subconscious mindset about you. Or perhaps aliens are controlling your thoughts from a nearby planet, that could be also.

[@lamoya2012]

I respect what you are teaching here. However, how do you deal with students with special needs in your classroom who do not follow what you expect?

[@carolynmcbean5297]

Special needs does not equal special treatment. The expectations are the same even if the delivery has to be different. Whatever your appropriate consequences are for noncompliance, they remain. Unfortunately special needs children are treated as if they cannot learn depending on their disability. I have a grandson with Autism. He has learned how to relate to my son, his father and how to relate to his mother. It is vastly different. My son expects him to comply even if it takes more time to get the point through. But he is NOT allowed to opt out. As a classroom teacher I have had students in my inclusion class with Asperger, Autism, and general education. I considered how and when directions needed to be given for those who needed more time or repeated instructions in order to comply. When the expectation was met, special needs or not, there were positive consequences. When it was not there were negative consequences.

[@MrsDNPP]

This is just the information I needed right when I needed it. Thank you.

[@laynamonk4023]

You say some pretty good things. How would you deal with a class where the students are noisy and running around playing with each other and completely ignoring what you say or do? The noise level is so high that you would have to shout to be heard and that doesn't even guarantee that they will listen or care.

[@jazzf1572]

Rina That is my classroom.. It upsets me 😭 I feel like I am a clown at a circus

[@carolinek8311]

So many good things said here.... "Kids don't have a problem with learning; they have a problem with school." "Do them a favor by creating structure." YES! "If you're berating your students in a tough situation, your students have likely been told their whole lives about how inadequate they are. You have to believe in your students." GUILTY! "It takes time to save time."

[@ninani3446]

I love this! I think you are an amazing educator with great values! I grew up going to Title I schools and having few role models in education. Currently, I am working on my teaching credential and I see many children, who like you said, were like me! Want to learn, but with teachers who do not give clear instructions or who only teach to students who understand. Thank you! P.S. It would be great to see a glimpse into your classroom and the activities or set-up you have!

[@jaycampbell6402]

Some of this is good advice, like stopping and not trying to ignore interruptions in the hopes they will go away. Part of what every good teacher needs to recognize is that you are not just there to teach your subject but to also teach all those other life skills, like how to be respectful, like how to be a lifelong learner. Other things are bad advice, like not having a back up plan when you encounter a truly defiant student who absolutely refuses to respect others; saying "that is not an option" is just a vacuous, pretentious evasion. If it is "not an option", you need to be prepared with what to do next, not try to cover up your lack of structure by telling other teachers they just need to have resolve or assuming that people who want a back up plan just "wanted a cushy job". What nonsense. As a teacher, you need to share what your back up plan is with your principal, and if your principal does not support it and does not have an alternative, find a better school to teach at. I can tell you right now, I taught for ten years and was told by multiple students I was the best teacher they ever had. I had students become teachers because of me, and I coached other teachers. Then I later went back and substituted a few classes and had principles try to use this same rhetoric but clearly it was to cover up that they had no plan. Whenever someone responds with "teaching isn't cushy" in response to a concern, that is analogous to a teacher that berates students to coerce them. When someone says something like "teaching isn't supposed to be cushy" you know they are a fraud with no real substance.

[@ehollingsheadart]

What would your plan be for a truly defiant student who refuses to respect others, you and the classroom? If telling them that respect is not an option has absolutely no effect. What is your next move?

[@jessicafischerqueen]

Man seriously you are awesome. I wish I had you as a teacher.

[@williammatthews2287]

Thank you for this advice. Much appreciated. I will do my best to follow it.

[@jessicafischerqueen]

Right on bro. Thanks for the great advice.

[@bigred8438]

I agree. That documentary, waiting for Superman is manipulative and deceitful. Thanks man, loved this no nonsense approach. I have been teaching for 13 years and students have just suddenly changed I can't say why, but it is a range of factors, they seem to be always angling for a fight. I am going to try your suggestions as I have always believed the students have to be brought along in the learning process (after all it is theirs), by being overt and telling it the way it is.

[@MiniTaleTerritory]

I agree with a lot of what your saying. You are affirming a lot of basic classroom management.

[@torontoBluejays87]

Can't remember who said this but I really liked it..."The biggest mistake teachers make is assuming the students are interested in what they have to say right away"...

[@TheAngryTeacher]

Awesome! I just started my KZbin channel that also instructs teachers. This is a vital tool. We need to continue to help and build each other up! Good job, sir.

[@dianamay6017]

This is really worthwhile. Sometimes we blame our students for their behaviour but you make me see I can have the confidence to settle my class and get them learning

[@craigseganti8514]

'Sometimes we blame students for their behavior' LOL. No, they should not take responsibility for anything.

[@afsarshaikh9654]

I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@Mimi-xp5hm]

Useful advice. I wish the videos were a bit more current...sad to see the blog page taken down.

[@noeliag.8545]

Very insightful thank you for this video. It's super helpful. I wish I had watched this when I first began teaching.

[@ggg148g]

Thank you very much for this very good piece of advice. I'll report the outcome very soon.

[@maxwellcooper2]

Thank you for this, it really meant a lot to me.

[@EdvinPalmer]

Thanks for these great tips. I feel, though, that you can't do this with every age group. From what age can you start doing this?

[@swordofthespirit7994]

I think you are SPOT ON!!!! Kids won't care what you teach until you teach that you care.

[@tegenn5641]

We need an age group for this approach.

[@lucyzheng123]

You are an amazing teacher!

[@paulg451]

Lucy Zheng we haven't seen him teach, but his ideas are legit. I'm going to have this conversation with my class next week

[@aminakane8643]

This is a way to get students take learning into their own hands

[@aaronmunguia1727]

As a teacher whose seen many types of classrooms over the years, here's one of my non-negotiable components to taking control of a class: First, never, ever tolerate students talking, or even whispering when you have the floor. That is to say, you have to be convinced, and must communicate the conviction to your students, that giving respect to the teacher while the teacher has the floor is MORE IMPORTANT than any of the content that you'll ever teach them- whether it be mathematics, English, History, or underwater basket weaving. In other words, in the hierarchy of moral importance, respect for authority, (in this case, the teacher) is more important than the academics. Learning this lesson is more important than a Calculus lesson or an AP U.S. History lesson.

[@leroythornton4]

Great advice, although you referred to one of the most influential educational pioneers of our time as 'some dude' in another one of those school documentaries.

[@karenzywics2035]

Any advice for subs? I was so excited to be a sub for middle and high school, and I spent the entire day trying to keep noise under control and get the kids to do their work. The children were rude, unruly, and uninterested in their assignment It was so discouraging...

[@carolynmcbean5297]

I started my educational career as a sub. I have always drawn clear lines with children (everyone really but especially children). When the students came in the room I set clear expectations. I told them my name, and I followed with the same expectations. "I am here to look after you while your teacher is out. He or she has left the following assignment for you. My expectation is that you complete the assignment that was left for you. If you choose not to, that is your choice to make and your teacher will handle that when they return. What you will not do is disrupt this room. You will not get out of your seat without permission and you will not be a problem. If you fail to meet my expectations, you will get out. Are there any questions?" I said it respectfully and it worked every time. There were times I had to put students out the first couple of times I was in a school. Afterward they got to know me and it was less and less until I did not have to put anyone out.

[@honeybee-to3kv]

Thank you for this

[@debraschwartz1547]

Awesome job! You are so right--the teacher is responsible for the classroom environment and until we quit blaming students for our failure to plan, connect with the kids, and plan some more, nothing can change.

[@philvitz1]

I would hire you in a second. If you ever decide to relocate to Kansas City, please let me know.

[@AngelaHolwick]

Thank you sooooo much!

[@petty7721]

Thank you so much, I love my students and teaching but the behaviors is stopping me from teaching. I know it is my fault some how I’m tired of continuously correcting behaviors everyday. I appreciate your video and I probably leave teaching.

[@mbeals1001]

I am in the middle of a 7 week student teaching run, 11th grade social studies, and will use this information this week. I will let you know how it goes, and thanks for posting.

[@pilatesyogawithaimee]

Very useful - thanks for posting!

[@taceldi]

THANK YOU!!

[@toms5974]

Excellent

[@lovelysmith1794]

Omg.. what if the whole school is out of control..

[@sopriyebraide3890]

How does this apply to all ages especially 3-5years old?

[@tegenn5641]

Most definitely not. From my experience anyway.

[@sopriyebraide3890]

@@tegenn5641 Okay. Thanks!

[@janewright8249]

1. Don’t shift the responsibility to you which gives them a pass. They need to take responsibility for their behavior. 2. Don’t wait for them to stop misbehavior because they will just keep doing it. They don’t care. That’s not a consequence. 3. This was useless.

[@noshihash616]

Respectable teacher can u guide how make lesson interesting and fun for junior level specially things like use of a and an

[@buddingnaturalist]

Search pinterest. There's plenty of activities there.

[@alosgm1]

In my opinion, classroom problems are related to: school management model, number of students per class, students' emotional, pshycological and learning difficulties, families' participation in the educational process, teacher's atitude, physical presence (physionomy, voice pitch, body language) and technical skills. And those last seem to be very important - teacher's general profile. You may be an excellent speaker, very skilled, but your looks, body language is not very apealing (it doesn't mean you need to be beautiful/handsome). Then, if your personality doesn't go along because you are not a very patient person and you don't like to manage conflicts, it won't work, Teachers should be selected by their profile, like in other jobs, for a start.

[@Bigwoody95826]

Sound advice-:)!

[@loriroyer1442]

you quit teaching? maybe one day you can go back. You would be a great sub.

[@marquisedavis2344]

Lori Royer I'll always be a teacher. I'm not in a traditional classroom at the moment. I'm growing my business. My long-term goal is to start a free private school with wrap around services for families with a sustainable pipeline of funds so that fundraising is not necessary for the school. I'm working now towards that end. Thank you for your kind words.

[@moirawalsh1575]

Sorry, but your comments sound naive. One classroom can't overcome the atmosphere of an out of control school.

[@marquisedavis2344]

Hello and thank you for your comment. Your point is well taken and I cannot disagree with you. However, my claim is not that one classroom can overcome the a poorly run school. The best classroom can suffer challenges if the students spend most of the day in other classrooms that are unstructured and if the school itself is out of control. I'll respectfully disagree that my comments are naive, although they may sound that way to you. My experience is in what was the most poorly performing school in the state at one time, in a challenging environment with more than half a staff of new teachers and an administration that was unseasoned. I didn't make excuses for myself or the situation, I just did the best I could every day and I was honest about when I could do more and it served me and the students well. They thrived in my classroom, despite the challenges and that is not to say that everyday was perfect, because it wasn't. But then again, it isn't anywhere. I wish you luck and if you're in what you feel is an unhealthy situation for you, it may be time for a change. It would likely be better for you and the students.

[@crissieroserose]

i agree with what you say ,literaly NOTHING works in my school

[@lillianbrown3712]

I have to disagree. I've worked in the worst, most violent school in Chicago and Washington DC . I've see great teachers manage student behavior and create a positive classroom culture. It is up to you as the adult in the room to regulate your classroom. If you set clear expectations, hold students accountable, and are consistent and fair, you can turn any classroom around.

[@craigseganti8514]

My case Marquise is that they continue to be poorly performing because of the exact philosophies you propound. Rather than holding them to high standards of behavior, teachers are constantly trying to 'understand them' and excuse their rude or disruptive behavior as being something other than what it is. Guess what it is? Rude and disruptive behavior that should be addressed as such with consequences. It is a form of victimhood, that you are not really responsible for your bad behavior, i am because I have not loved you enough or given you input on the rules. This naiivete keeps inner city schools perpetually low performing.

[@aminakane8643]

I totally disagree. It takes one classroom then another then another....to make it happen school wide

[@sarakhan9936]

I just start teaching from next month .but those student are seen impossible. I am feeling that i dont deserve to be a teacher....

[@tanyashank3258]

I think everything that he has said is true. If this does not work for you then you need more grit and backbone. I have taught in all white schools, my class ran off 3 teachers. I would correct with grit and backbone. The students loved the class and I had minimal interruptions. I even smiled n the first day that I met them. He is not living in a dream worked.

[@dumisaimcmillan3652]

What do you do when a student doesn't want to learn or does not care for getting an education?

[@plerpplerp5599]

Woooaah!👍😁

[@carolepowers3015]

MMMMM thank u my brother

[@loriroyer1442]

Amen

[@jotucker572]

great

[@junydamaris]

Not realistic, what if they still don’t listen and are disrespectful regardless of you placing rules and speaking to them aside?

[@craigseganti8514]

Yeah pretty naiive.

[@riverotter68]

if half your teachers are new, your school must not be very good if the turnover is that hight

[@MikeDunn]

It depends. Turnover rate at my school is high, but it is a private school that can't afford to pay teachers very much.

[@rahmaali4045]

Taking ownership of what’s happening inside your four walls Share that with your students and be transparent with them. Speak to them honestly and openly with what’s going on in the classroom don’t bribe or beg. I am the leader and I am responsible for what happens in the classroom. You must stop everything. Those kids who are challenging need you too. Don’t teach another content lesson unless you teach your classroom. Make students a part of the process. This is not the time to berate or yell at tour students. You have to believe in your students and show them that you do. Students can smell a fraud a mile away. Will not teach another lesson till you follow my instructions. Silent till they follow your attention. Till you have full attention silent and looking at you. Please stay this way or else I will stop again. Go to the board after thanking them. I want to apologise you to you because I haven’t provided learning environment you deserved I am aupposed to be teaching and you should be learning. Maybe I haven’t been given up clear instructions. List those things that children are doing in the classroom. Whatever distraction it is, these things are no longer happening in this classroom from this day forward these obstacles will not come in the way so I continue teaching and you continue learning. We will remove our obstacles so I am teaching and you are learning because that is why we are all here. You are taking responsibility for everything that is happening in the class. If they do not do it then that is not an option. You have to make learning the norm. You want them to learn because they are so capable and what will not happen is you giving up on them. If you wanted a cushy job you shouldn’t have chosen teaching 😭😭😭😭 if you want something be persistent and if you want to keep it be consistent.

[@starwarsjunkie7776]

Hahahaha, you think that some of the worst classes that principals put together have a MAJORITY of students who are good? It sounds like you haven't taught at the worst schools then.

[@rowenabaluyot6687]

i smiled to my student den after they abuse me

[@pennydollar1586]

Rowena Baluyo likewise, I smile & they snob me. I write it off so as not to become a sobbing-sub 😭💧💧

[@aviewer390]

Zhou wasted ten minutes not saying a damn thing.

[@anpdm1]

What's the deal with black students? I've been teaching three years and took an extended contract at a diverse school that has Pacific Islanders, Asian, African, Hispanic, African American, mixed and whites kids. I'm ADOS and a grandmother. . My south Sudan student is oppositional and defiant, when part of a group of 8. Surrounded by Asians, her behavior conforms.. I'm wondering if I've missed a cultural component. Today they video tapped ass shaking in my classroom. It was extreme, it felt like entrapment. I ignored them. Next round new strategy.

[@riverotter68]

sit quietly and wait for students to be quiet. LOL! Seriously, dude?

[@rowenabaluyot6687]

if i will speak like dis, they will abuse me, dont respekt ur student. dis is totally, dream