...I am at a loss. I work with about 25 kids going into 4th grade (about 18 boys, 7 girls), and they just do not listen to me. I find myself constantly yelling and repeating instructions. Every game that we say we're playing...they groannnn, and say its borrring. My other two counselors really dont want to discipline it seems like, so im coming off as a "bad guy" which is completely out of character for me. Anyway, I needs some help from anyone on here who has experience working with children on some effective disciple, or incentives.
My group at camp is completely out of control, help?
- Thread starter Kyle
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Set guidelines. Separate the ones who are horsing around. Put the ones in time out who are ignoriing the rules and reward the ones that listen with being helpers or 1st in line.You may have to split the group in 2 areas of the room.Don't worry about feeling like you are the bad counselor. Someone has to keep them in control. This is your job. Our 1st rule is have fun or second rule is be safe. I always tell the kids this and remind them of what is expected when I start a new activity. I have to reapeat stop talking.Get the other 2 counselors to get it together.All of you must work as a team.Get the kids to suggest games by a raising their hands and speaking one at a time. Wax Museum is good for this age. One kid is the security guard.The security walks around and if he sees the other children move(the wax figures)they are out. No arguments.The last kid out is the new security guide. I work with with 37 kinder garden and 1st graders. My voice is sore today for the same reason. I am trying these methods. I also clap my hands in a pattern and the children clap in the same pattern. This is how I get every one to listen. I have the other Counselors and helpers walk around tapping kids gently on the shoulder and seperating them till I have every ones attetion.This has been a rough week for me to. It sounds like we can relate.Make rules and stick to them.
Continue exactly as you have and once they learn they can not move you by moaning or acting out, they will get with the program. Consistency is the key. Tell them it is not your job to keep them from being bored, but to teach them, and continue on. So what! A little discipline never hurt anyone. 4th graders are around 9 - 10 years old. If you are the professional than act like it. Most kids don't have much home training at 9 - 10 years old and your correcting things their parents didn't correct. Find a few very bad kids in the class and give them the job as the Captain. Let them be in front of the class and tell them their job is to help keep order in the class and to lead the games and so forth. Once the leaders of the pack are now on your side, the rest will follow. Make sure the good kids have jobs too, like bathroom captain. Line up captain, meaning that they get to line up first. Pass out stickers for being good. You've got to gain control of the class. If dealing with ages 9 - 10 is a problem, just wait until you get high school kids with guns and razors, metal detectors and cops in the hallways. If that's your only problem, count your blessings. Kids always say they are bored when they don't get their way. Tell them that if they are bored than you can come up with a writing assignment or they can put their heads down on the desk. Also, when the class is noisy, shut off the light and yell heads down until your quiet. Than once you have their attention, put the classroom lights back on. You may have to do this for a few days until they learn that they can not run over you. Good Luck