First published 1 Feb 2009
I was just thinking of a pupil I used to see very regularly because of his behaviour. He was the goalkeeper and captain of the Year 9 school team and represented the district, quite an achievement. In class, however, things were far from satisfactory, he was frequently disruptive and inattentive and from all directions seemed to be underachieving. Paraded then derided
I was just thinking of a pupil I used to see very regularly because of his behaviour. He was the goalkeeper and captain of the Year 9 school team and represented the district, quite an achievement. In class, however, things were far from satisfactory, he was frequently disruptive and inattentive and from all directions seemed to be underachieving. Paraded then derided
However, a short while in many of his lessons indicated why. Rigorous and inflexible entrance routines. Long periods of inactivity, listening to the teacher talking, low interest worksheets and solitary routines. For some of the very high energy pupils we have, this is a recipe for disaster. Having to sit in silence, after a breaktime of high volume, high input, energetic and enjoyable football is a mission impossible for some.
How about a bit of a rethink from the teacher. A buffer zone at the beginning to allow the energy levels to drop slightly, ie less demand on silence - yes I know we all hear "Don't start speaking until they're all quiet", but sometimes that'll be a long time.
Get them started and then begin steering towards directed activities. How about a group problem-solving activity that allows for the early arrivers to get ahead whilst the laggers can still be involved and not miss the actual lesson.
How about ensuring that there are some energetic activities which require movement and seat changing. "Recipe for disaster" I hear but it will certainly engage the energetic and harness some of their attention. Group activities are what the pupils crave, but teachers resist as it's difficult to assess each pupil's contribution and noise levels can rise.
The best teachers look like their classrooms are just on the edge of collapse into chaos, but the pupils are completely engaged and enjoying themselves. Fun, enjoyment, humour, laughter are all things that help to anchor information, if that's what we're trying to impart. If its got to be done, make it entertaining and interactive - especially if the material is a little lacklustre to start with
Just a few ideas - what others do you use? It would be good to hear what works for you
How about a bit of a rethink from the teacher. A buffer zone at the beginning to allow the energy levels to drop slightly, ie less demand on silence - yes I know we all hear "Don't start speaking until they're all quiet", but sometimes that'll be a long time.
Get them started and then begin steering towards directed activities. How about a group problem-solving activity that allows for the early arrivers to get ahead whilst the laggers can still be involved and not miss the actual lesson.
How about ensuring that there are some energetic activities which require movement and seat changing. "Recipe for disaster" I hear but it will certainly engage the energetic and harness some of their attention. Group activities are what the pupils crave, but teachers resist as it's difficult to assess each pupil's contribution and noise levels can rise.
The best teachers look like their classrooms are just on the edge of collapse into chaos, but the pupils are completely engaged and enjoying themselves. Fun, enjoyment, humour, laughter are all things that help to anchor information, if that's what we're trying to impart. If its got to be done, make it entertaining and interactive - especially if the material is a little lacklustre to start with
Just a few ideas - what others do you use? It would be good to hear what works for you