How to Deal with a Problem Child in the Classroom

One of the teacher's main responsibilities is to make the kids comfortable in the classroom. How can kids be comfortable if there are some who keep of bothering them? It is not easy to deal with a problem child in the classroom specially if there are 5 or 6 of them in the class or maybe 50% of the class are problem kids of different sorts. Teachers must be equipped with different strategies to make the class atmosphere conducive to learning. Here are some effective ways to deal with a problem child.

Befriend the child
The first day of school is the orientation day for the teacher with the kids in his/her class. This is the right time to know each other. In this first exciting day of school for the child, he is observant and very curious about his teacher of how the teacher gives instruction, how funny she is, is she kind, strict or what? The first impression means much to the child. A child with behavior problem is always a challenge to the teacher. But If the teacher is friendly, has a good command, firm but kind, treat everyone the same, quick to act in a positive way when there is behavior problem, understands every situation, then she will earn the respect even to the most problem kid in the class. When the teacher is a friend to the child with behavior problem in the class, this would help to minimize the child's behavior, The kid would respect his teacher who is like a friend to him. one who can understand him and knows how to deal with him.

Have Private talk with him
The child would be glad when his teacher spent time to talk with him in private when he made mistakes. That means she respects his right not to be embarrassed in public. Avoid scolding him in public when he made mistakes this would make him stubborn and resentful because he felt humiliated. Respect his rights then he will give back the respect and would be inspired to cooperate. The child with behavior problem is very unpredictable. He easily gets into trouble when provoked by another classmate therefore, it is always good to have an agreement with the child about the consequence he is going to face when serious misbehavior is committed.

Be fair and consistent
Most often, the child who has a behavior problem is always the culprit when there is trouble. Even if he is not the one who did it, everybody believes he does because he is known to be in trouble. A good teacher should investigate and give the due consequence to the real offender. There are teachers who immediately believe the reports of kids about Jimmy making trouble even if he is not the one who started it because he is known as trouble maker he will be punished without any question. This is very unfair to Jimmy. He will be hurt and resent and the class will expect more trouble with him because of treating him this way. Being fair and consistent is very helpful in dealing with behavior problem kid.

No threats of suspension or be sent to the principal 's office for misbehaving
This strategy is very common to teachers to let the problem kid behaved but this is not very effective. It will create a bad image of the principal to the kids. This thing is funny because when a teacher send the child to the Principal's office for an errand everybody will question of what he did? why he was sent to the principal's office? even the child himself is wondering why?It will give an impression to the children that the principal's office is like a rehabilitation room and they will be even scared to hear the principal's name when they commit mistakes. Minor offenses would be the teacher's responsibility to solve in the jurisdiction of her classroom. Major offenses that are beyond her control will be the principal's role of action. It's not good to use the prtincipal's office every time there is trouble in the classroom. The teacher can not even decide for suspension. There is a body who will decide for that and there is a process to be followed thus, using it as threat is no good and it wouldn't help. It will just make a bad impression to the child.

Know the background of the child
This is highly important. Knowing the background of the child is a must. He might have some serious problems at home that cause him trouble. A good teacher should traced how the kid is treated at home, what kind of life he has so that she will be able to understand the child and give him the right treatment he needs.
Teacher's responsibility is not merely teaching how to read and write. She should also attain to the emotional and social need of the child much more in his spiritual aspect. The love and care that the teacher gives to the child will be a memory that would never be forgotten and this would help him develop into a better person.

Help him to associate with others
The problem child is often an outcast in every group activities done in class. No body wants him to join in the group. This treatment will either irritates the child or make him withdraw. A good teacher should make ways to facilitate activities that the problem child can associate with others with no problem. This could be a great help for him to improve his behavior when he feels that he is accepted and respected.

A good teacher who is equipped with strategies on how to handle problem children in class with care is the best kind that parents and kids are looking for.