How to help a teacher - classroom behavior issues?

I posted a few days ago about classroom control.

So my DS's first grade teacher is in her first year with 1st grade and first year in this school. (She has taught 4,5 before). I really like her personally though she has a really tough group of kids behavior wise (being mouthy, disrespectful and silly).

My DS was getting in occ. trouble but has been doing much better.

I spoke to the mom of one of his friends (getting in trouble quite a bit) to offer a joint reward for both of them getting good behavior (go see a movie of something) - hoping to use peer pressure for the good.

There are not volunteer opportunities besides reading to the class (which I have done and will do again).

I know a lot of parents are really upset with behavior issues and lack of control. I am also concerned about the distractions and lack of education time due to this.

So, I am trying to figure out how to be part of the solution versus just venting to high ups in the school. I would love any input.

 

So in K, our teacher who was young and sweet, would have the kids sit down on the first day of school and think up the rules. She would then write them on a posterboard to display. If anyone broke a rule, their name was put on the board. I believe she then let them have one more chance and if they broke it again, they ago a check next to their name and she would talk to their parents. We were at a private K so the parents came in every day and talked with her.

I think if she sits with them and has them make the rules, they may be more apt to follow them. She just needs to follow through with consequences when the rules are broken AND have supportive parents.

Good luck.

 

Just because she hasn't put out more volunteer opportunities doesn't necessarily mean they aren't there. Some of our teachers are very careful to prioritize what they ask parents for. You might just put the offer out there that if there is a time of day she'd like the extra help with anything, you would be more than happy to come help her. Make sure she knows you're willing.

Past that, it's really up to her. There are some challenging kids out there. We have one in our grade with the twins. He seems much better this year after 2 previous years of hard work on his behaviour. And we were lucky to barely have enough kids to split into 3 classes this year. We only have 16, 16, and 17 in our classes and he ended up not in either of my kids' class.

Marissa

 

Does she have a behavior system in place? Turning cards, moving clips, or something like that? Does she have a mentor teacher that can assist her in implementing something?

 

The class is small (15). It is a private Lutheran school. She uses the color system with clothes pins: blue is best, move down green, yellow (no recess) and red (call or note to parents). She also gives out tickets for good behavior to be cashed in on Fridays for the treasure box.

Clearly the behaviors for the most difficult kids are not improving with this system. They do seem to take advantage of her correcting one child to act up when she is engaged with the first kid.

She did revisit the classroom rules and sent them home for the kids to review with parents last week.

The guidance couselor is involved with I think about 5 of the kids at least regularly/weekly - I think she takes each kid out of the classroom to her office for a period of time and discusses behavior (per friend whose son's works with her). The educational specialist is involved (observing class although of course the kids are on better behavior with her around) and she is meeting with parents.

I am glad my DS is realizing he needs to behave well regardless of what other kids are doing. He loses privileges at home for issues at school and responded very well to working to earn a special date with me for good reports at school.

I imagine she is incredibly frustrated and miserable. I feel really bad for her. There is a lot of school year left!!

 

Take this statement to the 'higher ups', to the ed specialist, to the guidance counselor, or further. Don't vent, ask what you can do to help, how you can be part of the solution. Like a PP said, just because there doesn't seem to be a volunteer opportunity available, maybe if you offer to do a,b,or c, you will have her take you up on it.

 

You know what, I teach first grade, and I would do two things. Marissa suggested it, and 1) I would go to her and offer any help. Suggest that you come in and work with some of the difficult kids to "give her a break." If she turns you down, then 2) go to the principal. Frankly, I find it odd that a teacher would turn away help. Chances are, the principal is well aware of issues. But you have to be an advocate for your kid. I have had tough years, I will give you that. But I have always had control.

Good luck. It is hard to sit back and watch this happen. Makes me sad for the kids in that class that are good and want to learn.