Today was timetable change day - a stress for pupils and teachers alike it would seem! It was also my first real encounter with a class that has become infamous around the school for disruptive behaviour.
I'd be lying if I didn't have some reservations as I drove to work this morning but I resolved to approach the 'experience' positively and to remember that at the end of the day - they are just kids.
Today's lesson was properly prepared in advance as usual but I avoided stressing overly - treating this class as any other I meet for the first time. As they entered I greeted them at the door, perhaps 'barked' a wee bit to assert myself and let them know who was in charge in the class. After they had sat, I lowered my voice but deliberately maintained an assertive tone combined with an open manner.
Our first activity was not related to the subject at all but was instead the building of a 'behaviour contract' which was written at the back of their jotters and signed by each pupil (I will sign them too to make it binding). What was important was that the pupils identified positive behaviour themselves - it was not dictated to them. Although I would take the ball and run with it, feeding in my own 'rules' through their contributions.
After this, we moved on the meat of the lesson as normal. I was very pleased to see that there were no behavioural issues. However, this is early days and I am aware that there will be challenging times ahead.
What I aimed to show this class is that although I am assertive and may appear 'strict' - if they are willing to work with me and take ownership of their learning then I will engage them and work my hardest to make every lesson interesting and fun. That was my part of the contract.
Time will tell if I've got it right!
