u/jport1387

Hi everyone,

I started a long-term sub position at a new school 3 weeks ago. 6th grade homeroom and ELA. I have 11 years teaching experience but recently moved to a new country, so I’m still looking for a full time position.

Anyway, these kids are WAY behind other 6th graders I’ve taught before. Their behavior and maturity level is more like a 4th or 5th grader’s. There is constant bickering, finger pointing, name calling, arguing, etc. It’s a mad house. Add to that, they have no respect for any of their teachers.

I have been able to make progress with the bullying and bickering, but the respect just isn’t there. And no matter how many talks we have about their behavior, it never sticks and the next day (or sometimes the next hour) it’s back to not listening, not responding, not participating.

I did find out I am the THIRD teacher this group has had this year (I’m not sure of the circumstances that led to the other teachers leaving), so I’m sure that has a lot to do with their behavior. But I’m wondering if I can still get the principles of basic respect into their heads.

What strategies have you all used when trying to get your kids to get why respect of adults and each other is important in the classroom and in life.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Somehow already exhausted