Hey Pickles:
When I was substitute teaching, I racked up lots of hours at community college learning classroom management tactics. Believe it or not, the basic tactic suggested by the instructor was having a "bag of tricks." (which we clowns always have, right?) Actually, what it came down to was the confidence that having the bag of tricks brought to the table. Soon, I didn't need the actual bag of activites I could pull out in case of bedlam, my self-confidence carried the day in the way I presented myself to the students....like solid eye contact, ignoring bad behavior, rewarding acceptable behavior, being calm and accepting while setting solid boundaries. (you know, it's o.k. to do THIS, not o.k. to be THAT). We have all had our share of failures and successess in dealing with unruly behavior, but I always try to stay in control because children deserve their adults to be in control so they can limit their bad behavior and learn and have fun.
As far as my assistants are concerning, there has to be a reason for my appointing an assistant. Birthday person, or if that person is too young, a sibling or cousin of the birthday person. No discussion. That is the way it is. I always use the older children as helpers; they can be tremendously helpful with "crowd control" also. No competition from the younger children since the older children are usually 8 years plus, sometimes teens. Best of luck, Giggles
|