Behaviour Management: Keeps the Turkeys From Flying

Behaviour management is the key.
It is a sad fact that there will be a class where you will encounter turkeys.
Generally most students want to behave and very few really want the tension of getting into trouble.
You know the kids who spend the whole day going "Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!" At least that is what it sounds like. Certainly it makes as much sense.
These are the stressors of the day. Statistically, in a class of 25 you will encounter about 4 unfortunately.
Hopefully you will have recognised them early and put in place the proactive steps of standing close, maintaining eye contact.
Keep the turkeys from flyng.
You need to cut them off quickly. The rule, as a relief teacher, is - "Don't interfere with the learning of others!"
Let the turkeys know that you will not tolerate their interference when others want to learn. And if they sulk and sit at their desk - well that will work! As long as they aren't interfering with others!
Of course some turkeys fly only when they have an audience.
You will recognise these turkeys early in the day. In this case don't give them an audience. If one starts to spread wings, deny him/her the audience and say (in as quiet a voice as you can), "Class, I would you like you to turn you chairs and look this way."
Have a time out plan ready.
In every flight I have taken, the flight attendant always asks passengers to be aware of the nearest exit.
In the classroom, particularly if you are new, you need to consider the exit strategies if things go pear-shaped.
Your teaching colleague next door will be the best point of call and usually a great source of support.
Keep your requests CLOSED.
If you give instructions, anticipate that the student will comply and act as if this is the case.
For example, in your travels around the room you notice Gina is reading a book and not doing her math.
You take the least intrusive path, "Thanks for putting that book away, Gina." (NB - Closed request) and continue to move around the room as if you know Gina is going to comply.
Gina feels your expectation and 99.9% of the time she will comply, because she is not going to get any mileage if she doesn't. You have already moved on!
Consider the alternative action. You say the same thing, but stand at Gina's desk with arms on your hips and a snarl ready on your lips. You're ready for a fight and Gina is likely to accommodate you.
And if these teaching strategies don't work - well, you know what happens to turkeys eventually, don't you?

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