I need a behavior plan that works

[question]

Hi,
I am a first year teacher and I find myself really struggling with classroom management.
I know consistency is not my strong point, but even with things I am consistent about the kids just constantly do.
For example, my 4th graders always are eating in class. I always respond to them saying put it away it is not lunchtime. They have gotten to the point where they tell each other and I usually only have to look at them, but yet multiple students will try to eat in my class. That doesn't bother me as much because they usually don't interrupt the class.
THe thing that drives me to frustration everyday is that they just can't figure out how to listen.

 

[K-T]

don't let the little things go

If the rule is no eating, then you have to enforce it every time. That goes with all the little things that they try to get away with. A little whispering in line quickly turns into the whole class talking in the halls. When my 4th graders started sneaking food in class, I set up a 5 min. snack break in the morning. I haven't seen any eating at other times.

 

[Thing 1]

In real estate

there is a saying "Location, location, location". In teaching the saying is "Consistency, consistency, consistency". If you are not consistent in following your classroom rules and procedures, you will not be in charge of your classroom; the students will be. No matter how petty you think you may be, be constistent so the students know their boundries and what is expected of them. Be consistent with everything; don't pick and choose. You have to come on strong and firm. You can always "loosen up" later. If you are flip flopping around, (one minute they can't eat in class and the next well ok, it's just little stuff),and not enforcing your rules and procedures or you are not firm and strong , you will not have control over your class, all year long. You probally still have a small window of oppurtunity to turn the class around. Make sure you have your rules posted (no more than 5) and talk with the students about your procedures and expectations. Remember, be consistent and one last thought, you are not their friend, you are their teacher.

 

[AD]

I agree with the PP-you have to be consistent. If the rule is no food in class, then you should not make any exceptions. If you give an inch, they will take a mile.

Make sure you have about 5 rules posted in your classroom. You and the students should decide on the rules together. I would have a consequence for not following the rules (maybe missing some recess). Make sure you are consistent and follow through with your consequences. If you don't, your students will think that you aren't serious about it, and they will continue to NOT follow the rules.

Give lots of praise for following rules. It works well in elementary school whether it be kindergarten or 4th grade.

As far as eating in class...I would warn them, "If you are eating in class, your food will immediately go into the garbage". I would get more strict than just saying to put it away. I guarantee that after the first 1-2 students have to throw their food away, no one else will be eating in class. If they refuse to throw it away, that would warrant a visit to the principal and/or a call home (made by the student with you right there).

As long as you follow through and are consistent, it should improve. Your level of frustration should greatly decrease as well.

Hang in there! And be consistent!

 

[Ima Teacher]

I'm a big fan of Randy Sprick's CHAMPs management program. It forces the teacher to think through everything and decide exactly what he/she wants from a class at any given time. Then it helps the teacher teach the students these expectations. I've used it for several years. It works very well.

 

[pam50961]

For AD

I really don't have anything to comment about on this subject, but...
I don't know whose baby that is for AD, but that is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen! Each time I see your post I can't help but notice that beautiful child!!!

 

[twenty-eight]

Food Listeners

I have 28 years of teaching experience. I would suggest that somewhere in your lesson or introduction that you include something concerning food. Your students are stimulated by food, therefore use food as an attention getter.