Hi all.
Last year was my first year teaching kindergarten and I had 5 (yes 5) students with SEVERE behavioral issues. I swore this year would be different.
This year, I began the year with a great class, only 1 student who was even kind of struggling with behavior and the kindest, nicest, sweetest class in the world.
Over the past nine weeks, we have lost 3 students and gained 6 new students. The dynamic of my classroom has COMPLETELY changed. I am at a loss. I feel so out of control (again). I need some advice.
My biggest issues are two little guys who constantly say no, one of whom just started our class today. When asked to move their clip, sit at their desk, sit quiet, they say no. I have made it very clear that saying no is not an option for these kinds of requests and that there are consequences. I allow them to choose if they want to sit on the carpet with the class or sit at their desk. They still continue to say no. When I ignore the behavior it escalates (due to their seeking attention) until I can no longer ignore it for safety reasons.
In addition, these students are doing things like running around the classroom, touching other students, yelling out while I am speaking, sitting in the teacher chair and taking my things. I feel like I have no consequences for their behavior besides sitting out of recess, which, of course, I do on our bad days. The office considers these behaviors to be "classroom managed behaviors" even if I cannot teach. My other students are seeing these kids have basically no consequences and thinking they can push the limits too. Of course, I overly praise the positive behavior with high fives, skittles, round of applause from the class and other things on the spot. I am documenting all behaviors for future reference as well.
This second year teacher would LOVE some advice. Thank you!!!
