OK, friends, another colleague of ours has sent out a plea for help! This one comes from a catechetical leader named Steve. Please offer your advice, thoughts, comments, and questions in the box below under Leave a Reply and thanks in advance for so generously sharing your wisdom.
Joe,
Last year I had several problems with some middle school kids who were unable to change behavior on their own. In several instances I had a parent come in and sit in on the class but once they weren’t there the behavior continued. I also used behavior contracts with a minimal amount of success. I am not sure where to go from here. I know that homeschooling will never be followed through with by the parent and am hesitant to suspend or kick those students out.I am writing to see if you have any suggestions/thoughts/resources for dealing with these kids. Deep down they are good and I want to accentuate that but I am going to lose catechists over it and it ends up compromising the learning for the rest of the class.Any thoughts/insight/ suggestions you might have would be most welcome.Summer blessings,Steve
I well remember the childhood frustration of trying to learn while the teacher tolerated disruption. I won’t stand for it at all. I give 6th graders about 1.5 chances to not be disruptive. Then they are out of class to either sit in the DRE office, or sit in another class. They dislike both, and are no trouble when they come back. I will forego the possible catechizing of the disrupter in order to catechize everyone else. I won’t leave the 99 to chase that lost one; but in 8 years, every lost one has returned on his or her own.
I have employed a three step discipline policy over the years: first step is correction in the classroom; second is a visit to the DRE, which usually ends with a handwritten letter of apology to the catechist including ‘what I did, why I know it disturbs the class/ hurts someone’s feelings and why I won’t do it again’ ; if ‘again’ happens, step three, in which the parent must accompany the student to class. For most (and I’ve only needed this a handful of times) the humiliation besides the parent’s backup, has meant acceptable behavior In short order. However, I did have one kid whose mom sat through all of sixth grade. He was fine in 7th and 8th, but it took a year for him to get the message.
Dear Christian,
I am not sure that style will work when the catechist is young adult and female but it sound like a style that works for you. I would not advise my catechists to leave forego the ninety nine when I believe the bulk of the students want to learn and whose parents expect an environmennt that is conducivd for that learning. Students are occasionally sent down to my office where we have a heart to heart.
Thanks,
Steve
Dear Cathy,
That has typically been my approach as well but in a few of these cases once the parent is no longernpresentnthe behavior issues re- emerge. That’s where I am getting stuck.
Thank you,
Steve
Dear Steve….you are truly blessed to have these children in your program…20 years in Catechetics…my findings….love them thru it Steve….they are so hungry…they need a firm look in the eye…a short sweet knock it off response to bad behavior …and then… give them a busy work task….bring em in early to set up the tables chairs….give them a lead position at prayer time…. dont worry you are not rewarding bad behavior…. you are feeding a great need that these youngsters have….and greet them with a handshake ..a hug….a “hey what’s up” smile….noone else loves these kids….but Jesus does….we are Catechists….we are Christ to them….my Sergio, Maria, Brandon…and others are my witnesses to loving them thru this….God Bless…and i wish you the best…..keep the Faith….practice the methods….s.
Dear Shirley,
I resonate completely with your pastoral sensitivity however it is not the style of the catechists encountering the problems. I believe in some ways we are only as good as our weakest, yet well meaning, catechists. I will try to encourage them to place these particular students in positions to demonstrate more positive behavior. I am anxious to affirm positive behavior when and where exhibited.
Thank you,
Steve
You may have already tried these suggestions but I’ll put them out there in case you haven’t. Try contacting the parents, phone first and explain the situation to see if they have any ideas on how to deal with their child. Next ask the parent/parents if they’d be willing to come and meet with you and their child after a class so all of you can have a conversation on how the child’s behavior is affecting your class. Maybe this student is looking for attention or has some need he has to address. I’ve had disruption in my class and found this to be helpful. In fact after my initial call to the parent the child’s behavior was much improved, good luck.
Fran
Dear Fran,
Yes I have called home and discussed the issues with parents
And in a couple of cases it has worked for awhile, but has eventually returned.
Thanks,
Steve
Dear Steve: I can hear the commitment to these kids in your message. without knowing the precise behaviors, it’s hard to say, but if the challenging children are not ADHD kids (and if they are, maybe the solution is related to their parents adjusting their meds) what has worked for us is to have (assuming you have one) your assistant catechist (or teen teaching aide, again if you have one) do one-on-one teaching in any class period where the problem gets out of hand. Our experience is there is usually one chief catalyst and isolating him or her for one-on-one instruction allows them to save face, and those who are in the main actor’s thrall to save face also. Your DRE will probably have some ideas too; maybe there is a group of students that needs to be “broken up” and have one or more transfer to another class (again, assuming you have multiple classes for your grade). We will pray for you (we pray for all catechists and their students and parents) and ask that you pray for us, too.
Dear Sam,
That is the option I am discussing currently with the DRE. The difficulty lies in the fact that we offer three different time slots on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the issues with kids spans different time slots over the two days. Finding the right persons willing to work with the students might be our only option albeit a difficult one.
Than you,
Steve
Hi Steve… middle school boys!!! Soundslike you received some great advice in other posts. Are you able to make two classes and separate them?
I support the three try approach… First I’d talk to the boys individually and ask if they are OK and you are wondering if they realize they are interfering with other kids’ learning? Chances are pretty good they aren’t thinking about how their behavior affects others and possibly bringing it to awareness will make a tiny step forward. On the second reminder, I ask catechists to send the kids to the office to visit with me. Catechists are intitally reluctant to do send the kids to the office, they want to handle the issues within the class. In catechist training I really encourage them to utilize my persuasive powers!!! I can’t have frustrated catechists or learners! I check in with the kids, explain how the catechists are volunteers who love God and his kids and have the young person identify what behavior was inappropriate. We discuss together what the options are for their continued learning… almost 100% of the time they ask if they can please return to class… which in itself offers a teachable moment about forgivenss. The third time involves talking to their parents and asking them to be part of the solution to create a meaningful learning environment for the class.
Two years ago one of our 9th grade classes was really tough… individually the teens were awesome… but they mostly all knew each other from school and felt like they needed to keep up their school persona in religion class. As a group they were obnoxious. It took the catechist until March to agree to split the class up; I talked with the teens I was moving about their behavior and why they were being moved and they all agreed, reluctantly… In the short time that was left in the catechetical year… it was a good move for all involved.
God’s blessings as you love these boys into God’s love. I agree with Shirley… they’ll probably grow up and return as catechists!
Dear Shirley,
Thank you and I agree that with your strategy and approach. I agree that catechists generally are reluctant to send their students out of class because of the focus it puts on them and the student.
I have found it helpful to speak with a parent and get them on board as an ally. In my more minor cases that has been succsessful. In the cases I refer too from last year the parents are not involved in the faith formation and are quick to point out that it is all they can do to just get them to attend.
Blessings,
Steve
Many good suggestions above. One thing I can’t recommend enough is defining the lines they are not permitted to cross _before_ they cross them, and firmly enforcing them from the first cross. Disruptions due to inoffensive calling out, active participation should be forgivable – especially if you play games and do group exercises as I do. I make a list of rules (some of my device, some suggested by my class) on flipchart paper on the first night each year and rehang them every class; then when they break a rule, I just quietly walk over and point, and I’ve found classes pretty self-enforcing, of the rules after that.
Speaking of quiet, if you have a disruptive element in class, simply growing silent and waiting for the room to come to silence with you is often useful – it promotes classroom self-policing and it takes all of the power away from the disruptor. When the room comes to silence try delivering a message like “I can’t make you listen to God’s word, but I won’t tolerate you preventing others hearing it from me.” Remember, it’s probably a rare case to have a genuinely aggressive child at this age, and they’re don’t want to impose themselves on each other, just to establish some control over their environment.
Good luck!
…I love this one…yep, that definitely works….silence from the instructor can be louder than anything the kids can do…grabs their attention real quick! great responses here!
Dear David,
I have a couple of catechists who use silence to effectively manage the classroom however I the case of a few classes the catechist is not a strong enough presence to manage that way. They are generally the parents of kids in the program who are well meaning but usually trying to stay one step ahead of the kids. I plan to bring up your strategy at our first in-service though.
Thank you,
Steve
This has worked for me at times. It’s worth a try, if you haven’t done so already. Keep the student(s) actively involved in the class. Try giving them small tasks during class, and praise them when they complete it. If more than one student, let them take turns, collecting papers, giving out the assignment etc. Will be praying for you. God Bless. Barbara M.
Dear Barb,
Thank you, I will add that the my list of possible strategies.
Thanks,
steve
My thought was that if having a parent in the room works, then continue to use that technique. One of my catechists had a class that had several students who were disruptive so I asked each parent of a student in that class to take a turn sitting in on the class. It did help. I love the ideas already given, especially giving these young people some leadership roles and asking them for help. Prayer, patience and perseverance. Good luck and God Bless,
Mary
Dear Mary,
Not giving up searching for creative solutions to the problems. Part of the problem is that we off nothing for adult formation for parents, most of whom don’t even attend mass. I think if there were more formation/education for mom and dad, there would be a little more investment in the formation of their kids.
Thanks,
steve
Steve,
How well I remember theses (small) problems. I the beginning of the year I have a form that is fillked out by the student and the parent. Ofcourse discipline is on it and how to act in class. Also Bible study, and the gospel readings, how we should carry out the gospel during the week, ect.
They receive two copies, one to stay at home in plain sight and one that comes back to me and is filed. Now both the student and the parent has made a commintment for the year. And I do bring it out when the occation arrises. But I talk to them first and formost about the commint that they are making. That it is their choice to made. I can not force them to make that and once they do I expect them to keep it for the time that they are in my class.
Dear Sandy,
I like the idea of a contract at the beginning of the year with students and parent. At least there is somethingntangible to fall back on that both have agreed to and both signed of on.
Thank you very much.
Blessings,
Steve
Is the problem boredom ADD hyperactivity, medication, a divorce in the household ???I had a child in first grade with huge hyperactive problems and coughed all through class with a little probing I found out from the mom that the child had taken cough medicine before each class and it was making him very hyper, and he used to get in trouble . He stopped taking the cough medicine & used cough drops before class, he was a totally different child . I got to use my pharmacy and speech pathology and background and the holy spirit. there are so many reasons. sometimes things are not black and white is my point. More training in this area is needed to trouble shoot behaviors. These kids are faced with so many problems, We need to speak their language and keep things respectful.In the fall and summer if its nice out Play a 10 min baseball game kickball get connected with them get there energy out!, Keep them focused interested engaged and ask them what kind of things they would be interested in and how to integrate Jesus Scriptures into the 21st century everday problems of these kids, (drugs, alcohol, sex, bullying divorce). bottom line we need to speak in a language they understand to bridge faith into their life. Jesus came down on this earth on our level as a child and spoke our language we need to do the same for our youth or find professional faith speakers to reach them.
God Bless,
Grace
Dear Grace,
I appreciate the need for some diversity within the lesson and the need on occasion to do something less formal but fun and engaging. I will encourage my teachers to consider that option.
Many thanks,
Steve
Try first to handle it within the classroom by searching for the reason behind the negative disruption: attention seeking, anger, hurt, need for control or power, boredom, ADD. There is a website www/disciplinehelp.com that might give suggestions. When the group gets restless or off track I have used a chime to gain their attention. I use group activities focused on the materials rather than on a teacher focused approach. The dynamic of each group of young people is different. Careful preparation and reflection after lesson presentation can determine what works with your particular group. True catechesis is not about the academic part or covering a certain part of the lesson. Remember that Jesus is in the room with you, has called you to this ministry, and will provide the grace that you need. It is good to establish rules based on the teachings of Jesus especially those that call for respect for others.
Dear Jan,
I believe the problem in at least one of the classes is ADHD related along with a general apathy that is allowed to influence other students. Thank you for the website suggestion I will check it out and steer my teachers toward it.
Blessings,
Steve
Hi Steve,
A way that I find can help is to give these kids some leadership roles in the class. Perhaps have the catechist pull them aside and tell them he/she would like them to be a part of a team of leaders for the class. Ask them to help develop some ground rules for the class and then give them some tasks to do that will help the class run more smoothly – attendance taking; passing out books and materials, etc., leading prayer, etc. They may have some ideas as well.
Using all the discipline strategies above plus tapping into their leadership and ideas may help the whole class to have a better time and learn more.
Dear Mary Ann,
Thank you for the suggestion. I will pass that on to our catechists.
Gratefully,
Steve
Truly Unique Chart for Discipline
10 to 1 Conduct Chart. It works for all grades.
Your chart looks like an attendance sheet with the dates of your classes across the top and down the side the names of your students.
Each week every student begins with a “10”. Every week the Catechist either writes on the board or gives a verbal reminder that the 10 to 1 chart is in effect.
The “10” for each student is put on the sheet in PENCIL. As the class is being taught and a student is disrespectful or disruptive the Catechist says, “_____________ (student’s name) because you just _______________ (name misbehavior) you have now dropped to a “9”. The “10” for that student is erased and a “9” is written in.
If the disrespect continues, again the Catechist names the student and the misbehavior and says, “You now have an “8”. The Catechist changes the “9” to an “8”. If a student reaches a “7” the parents are called or emailed.
As the following week comes around, every student begins again with a “10”.
The great part about this is that we now have an objective way to give a Conduct grade.
The number of times a reduction occurs can be adjusted by the Catechist depending upon the grade.
Parents are emailed How the 10 to 1 Conduct Chart works. The students are explained How it works on the first days of class.
This ONLY WORKS if the Catechist is consistent with it.
Dear Donna,
Thank you for the input and sharing of the steps. My only concern is a catechist keeping accurate track during the class without compromizing the flow of the lesson plan. Have you found that to be a problem?
Thanks,
steve
Dear Charlene,
The problem students are in three different class periods and each one is able to influence at least one other to join in the variety of disruptions. Mostly they are talking out of turn and interrupting or one one case defiance
Given the size of our program (650-700) and the limited classroom size and the continuous need for catechists, then to find separate catechists for them is a bit unrealistic for us. I appreciate your feedback,
Thank you,
Steve
Steve,
As I’m reading all of the wonderful suggestions and ideas, I am wondering how your catechists feel about the kids that are giving them a run for their money. My volunteers invariably have difficulties with some of the kids, but the factor that helps invariably is the relationship the catechist has with the kid. We are all called into His service, and we are blessed to have volunteers who have answered His call. However, we all have our own idea of what “bad behavior” looks like, and our own hot buttons for what gets on our nerves. The kids aren’t going to listen to the catechist if they don’t feel that the reason the catechist came into the classroom is to minister TO THEM. Building trust and a true loving relationship is so hard when the person we’re trying to care for gets on our last nerves! I suggest that you sit down with the catechists first and pray with them! Ask them about how they feel called to the ministry, and how perhaps they could put a spin on their perception of the kids. It won’t change the behavior overnight, but by changing the relationship, you have a much better chance that the kids understand that even with their flaws, they are loved! Isn’t that what we are teaching, anyway? Sorry it’s not the bandaid, but it’s definitely the antibiotic:)
In His grip,
Chris
Steve, you’ve received many great suggestions. In skimming them, and your responses, I’m not sure if someone’s mentioned this: Move the kids to a class with a stronger, more experienced catechist. It will probably mean moving them up or down a grade (or more — if down, have the student be an “assistant” or “mentor”), or re-organizing so that you have two mixed-grade classes rather than two classes at separate grades. But you’ve got to put the kids in a class with a catechist who has the experience and skills to deal with the challenge.
You mention several issues (medication, family life, etc.) that suggest these are just going to be difficult situations for the catechist to work with. It may be that when you find a catechist who clicks with a particular troubled student, that it’s worth keeping the pair together over several years, by building some flexibility into scheduling and course requirements. Ultimately a good mentoring relationship may be more beneficial for these students than sticking to any particular curriculum checklist.
Jen.