Problem Kids?

Problem Kids!
Problem kids can be in any classroom. The main problem seems to be outbursts of disrespect, language, or talking-out-of-turn. The reasons for their disruptive behavior vary from special needs to poor sociocultural character skills. They just don’t get it.
A big part of the problem may stem from a poor socioeconomic home life. Parents interrupt one another, are rude to one another, fight in front of the children, and show disrespect to just about everyone except their own kind. Some parent’s low socioeconomic levels display a real dislike, even hatred when it comes to education, especially teachers. Most have long-hour jobs that demand physical labor, or tedious, repetitive work. They view those who do not “work hard” as unproductive. Though it may not be spoken, it is certainly displayed in emotions, disdainful attitudes, and body language.
The children often mirror those “silent” attitudes. In school, a perceived injustice whether it be towards them or someone close to them can embitter students toward a teacher. So, disruptive behavior is often exhibited due to these circumstances.
Peer competition is also a problem. I viewed this in a high school Sociology class that I subbed. It seemed like pandemonium. Three girls dominated the class, but there were others, particularly boys, who wanted to input as well. They were always shot down by one of these girls. These girls constantly blurted out answers, comments, and innuendoes. It seemed as if the girls had a need to be popular and were jostling for rank among their peers. My course of action: I separated them to the far corners of the room, permanently. If that didn’t work, I would start expelling them from the class, one-by-one, until they “got it.”
In another class, the teacher (Mr. W) conceived a classroom management plan that showed promise of settling this problem and at the same time related some instruction. He passed out an assignment sheet directing the students toward their end of semester topics and grades. The students groaned and made soft, out-of-earshot negative comments. But, they did like the procedure part where they would teach classes (give a mini-lesson) and make assessments.
Mr. W continued by directing the class that they would not pick partners, which some had already started. He separated them to other partners. The girls exclaimed in unison, “That’s not fair!” Mr. W just gave them an incredulous look. He counted off seven students in the first two rows. Then, he took a class list, cut it up, and put it in a hat. After mixing it up, he had the seven kids pick from the hat. If they picked themselves or someone in the seven, he had them put it back.
Mr. W directed them to partner up and look over the text material. They worked together for about five minutes, but towards the last thirteen minutes of class they socialized. He spent a lot of time redirecting students. I feel that a teacher must set a standard and stick to it.
For what it’s worth, too much time is spent redirecting students that do not want to learn. In some classes you always get the few who think that school is a joke. They don’t get it, so their only other option is disruption. “Be a royal PAIN in the #@%*!,” is their goal. I feel a disruptive student needs to be dealt with not ignored. As a sub, I can always tell who the joker(s) or jokeress(es) are. One false move, inappropriate language, or behavior, it’s a quick lecture on “getting it.”
It kind of goes something like this, firmly and calmly: “Joey (I get a lot of Joey’s) I know you don’t get it, but let me tell you something you will get. Just because you don’t get it, doesn’t mean you have the right to disrupt this class. People are here to work. This is no different than a ‘real’ job, and I’m the boss. You will not get you’re way. You will not joke around. You will not goof off. You will not pass ‘GO’. You will not collect $200.00. You are not funny. If you want my respect, and the respect of the rest of the class, you will do your work. ‘Nuff’ said. End of story.”Usually, that ends the comedy routine, but with others it takes a trip to the office. And, maybe his/her friend can tag along; there always seems to be a friend attached to the class clown.
Maybe this does or doesn't work for you, but calling a student's game before it gets out of control saves a lot of headaches later.