SK>Boy, it sure sounds like I spend all my time in class
SK>disciplining my
SK>class, but actually the opposite is true. I rarely have
SK>discipline
SK>problems. Part of it is because I try to keep the class moving
SK>and
SK>always having something to do. Part of it is because the
SK>students know
SK>from their experience with me that I mean what I say, and I mean
SK>business. And part of it is (I think) because of my reputation
SK>as a
SK>tough strict teacher (having taught at the same school for 10
SK>years can
SK>be an advantage).
Yes! (1) Keep the class moving with purposeful work/activities. As my old teacher used to say in religious instruction class back in the early sixties - `idle hands do the work of the devil'. (2) Be firm and fair and make sure that whatever consequences you mention are carried out.
My reputation is that I'm a dead-set softie for co-operative people but a nemesis for the time-robbers (for the kids who come to school to steal the other kids' learning time).
I talk openly to my classes and groups about the things that bug me before they get out of hand. (the ol' ``nip it in the bud'' theory at work).
I tell kids when I'm slightly unwell or have a headache or the like and tell them if I'm short towards them that they've been warned in advance. Most accept this. I feel that by comparison to what I've seen going on in classrooms near mine, I have a very productive and reasobly friendly environment.
