5 Classroom Management Strategies for Disengaged Students

Summary

This video offers four essential tips for teachers to better support disengaged or struggling students in the classroom. It emphasizes building authentic relationships with students, knowing when to push or adapt their tasks, collaborating with a team of educators, and communicating effectively with parents. The goal is to help students succeed by addressing their unique needs and providing appropriate resources and strategies. Teachers are encouraged to create a supportive environment where all students can thrive, both academically and personally.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building relationships with students is essential for addressing their unique needs and helping them engage in class.
• 😀 You don't need to be a therapist, but understanding students' personal challenges can help connect them to the right resources.
• 😀 Recognizing learning differences, such as dyslexia or processing issues, allows you to offer tailored support for each student.
• 😀 Treating each student individually, rather than equally, ensures fairness by meeting them at their level of need.
• 😀 Push students when they are capable, but also be ready to adjust activities to fit their abilities and comfort levels.
• 😀 Create alternative engagement opportunities, like assigning different roles (e.g., scorekeeper) to students with specific challenges.
• 😀 Meeting students where they are—whether through modifying tasks or offering projects that tap into their strengths—fosters success.
• 😀 Collaborating with colleagues, parents, and support staff creates a stronger support network for students facing challenges.
• 😀 Establish a 'pain plan' for students with particular needs, outlining specific actions to support them in difficult moments.
• 😀 Reaching out to parents via email provides an opportunity for them to contribute insights and helps track the student’s progress over time.
• 😀 Effective communication with parents and colleagues is vital in ensuring that students receive consistent and holistic support.

Q & A

Why is it important for teachers to build relationships with students?

Building relationships with students is crucial because it helps teachers understand their individual needs, struggles, and strengths. When students feel that their teachers care about them, they are more likely to engage in learning and respond positively to guidance. This connection also allows teachers to identify underlying issues, such as emotional challenges or undiagnosed learning disabilities, and provide appropriate support.

What does the phrase 'kids don't care what you know until they know that you care' mean in the context of teaching?

This phrase emphasizes the importance of showing genuine care and concern for students before expecting them to respect or trust your expertise. Students are more likely to engage with the lessons and trust the teacher when they feel valued and understood.

How can teachers support students who are struggling due to emotional or learning difficulties?

Teachers can support struggling students by recognizing signs of emotional distress or undiagnosed learning disabilities. While teachers may not be equipped to fix these issues themselves, they can connect students to appropriate resources, such as counselors or special education services, for additional support.

What is meant by ‘pushing’ a student in the classroom?

Pushing a student means challenging them to extend their abilities, either academically or behaviorally, within their capabilities. This is done through tailored encouragement, offering higher-level tasks, or gently motivating the student to do more, but always in a way that aligns with their needs and comfort level.

How can teachers find the right approach for students who struggle with tasks?

Teachers can find the right approach by offering alternative roles or tasks that allow students to engage with the material in a way that suits their abilities. For example, if a student struggles with a timed game, they can be given a role like scorekeeping, which still involves them in the activity but without the pressure.

What does it mean to create 'on-ramps' for students in the classroom?

Creating 'on-ramps' means providing students with accessible entry points to engage with the material at their own level. This could be through differentiated projects, alternative roles, or activities that align with their interests and strengths, making it easier for them to participate and succeed.

Why is it important to adjust learning activities for students with different abilities?

Adjusting learning activities ensures that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. Students with disabilities or different learning needs may not thrive in standard activities, so offering them modified tasks or roles allows them to participate meaningfully while still being challenged and supported.

How does working as a team benefit students with unique needs?

Collaboration among teachers, counselors, and other staff ensures that students receive comprehensive support. By working as a team, educators can create personalized plans that address specific challenges, share insights, and ensure that all staff members are on the same page in supporting the student’s success.

What is a 'pain plan,' and how is it used in supporting students?

A 'pain plan' is an individualized strategy developed by a team of educators to support a student facing specific challenges, such as anxiety or attention issues. It outlines steps to address the student’s needs, like providing a safe space for breaks or adjusting classroom activities, ensuring the student remains engaged and supported.

Why should teachers communicate with parents, and how should this be done?

Teachers should communicate with parents to create a partnership that helps students succeed both in school and at home. Emailing parents is an effective way to document observations, share insights, and ask for advice on what works best for the child. It allows parents time to process information and respond thoughtfully, benefiting the student's overall development.