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Effective Classroom Management - J/F 06 |
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As we started our praise time, Trevor and Jason
began wrestling! They were having fun but their misbehavior disrupted
the rest of the class and defied authority. Should I correct them in
front of the entire group? Should I lecture everyone about paying
attention? Should I ignore the misbehavior, hoping it will stop?
Important Skills to Master
Important skills related to the lesson, environment
and atmosphere of the group contribute to effective classroom
management.
Skill #1—Change Something
Draw children’s attention back to the lesson or
activity by doing something different. Change the pace of the
lesson—speed up or slow down. Change the volume or pitch of your
voice—loud, soft, high, low. Take a new position—stand, sit or kneel.
Often a child’s lack of attention is due to our misunderstanding his
needs, characteristics or age-level limitations.
Skill #2—Add Something New
Capturing a child’s interest may be as simple as
asking a question or calling him by name. It may be as complex as
beginning a whole new activity. Give a child who is over-stimulated a
job to do. When storytelling use a visual aid, motions and sound
effects. Children enjoy an element of surprise.
Skill #3—Reinforce Positive Behavior
Rather than draw attention to a child who is
misbehaving, point out those who are following directions. This shows
the child a better way to get attention.
Skill #4—Use Nonverbal Signals
This approach is usually noticed only by the
disruptive child. Keep the lesson going but catch his eye, tap his
shoulder or move closer to him to indicate the behavior must stop. The
signal can be spontaneous or prearranged for a child who has difficulty
following rules.
Skill #5—Remove Distractions
Take steps to remove distracting objects and sounds.
Rearrange the room to make sure favorite games are not highly visible
while you teach the Bible story.
Skill #6—Time Out
If you have a child who is out of control, time-out
can help. This can include moving him away from the group or taking
away a privilege for a time. He may join the group when he is ready to
participate.
Skill #7—Dialog
Interact with the child about his behavior problem
(see box below). Work toward a goal for improvement. This technique may
be used by itself or with any of the other skills.
Back to Trevor and Jason
Realizing that the children had been sitting for 15
minutes I began the praise time with a few motion songs. I reinforced
the positive behavior of four other children who were cooperating. When
we sat down again I asked my assistant to sit close to Trevor and Jason
so he could tap an arm if needed. At the end of class I thanked these
boys for getting involved and doing a good job. There were better days
ahead!
—Dr. Bob Choun, Christian Educator
5 Steps for Remedial Discipline
1. Deal with the child individually.
2. Tell the child what you saw and ask him to clarify if necessary.
3. Explain why the behavior is not acceptable.
4. Let him experience a consequence.
5. Direct him into positive action.
Classroom Skills + Prayer = Effective Management
cef
Copyright © 2005 by Bob Choun. Used by permission.
January/February '06
Teach Kids!
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