Now you have some choices: you can do nothing at all, which is certainly an easy, if slightly soul destroying method. You can attempt to slowly resolve the issues, whilst keeping your calm, which seems the sensible option. Or, you can blow your top. Unleash hell with a furious explosion, so loud that you can hear it on the dark side of the moon.
So, what do you choose to do? Remember you are surrounded by uproar and anarchy.
Well in my first solo lesson I chose the final option. I'd mucked up big style by going in underprepared, and I was also exceptionally nervous. I suspect the students picked up on this, and although they gave me a few minutes, after ten it was a warzone.
I didn't think, I looked at them, I opened wide, and unleashed a volley of complete nonsense, at ear shredding volume. It was an eye popping display, with spittle flying everywhere.
Suddenly, silence. It had worked. Glorious. This was unquestionably the way to go, in fact it was easy. This teaching lark is simplicity itself. But what's this? Where's the silence going? And why are they laughing at me?
And that's how it went. I'd lost my mind, screamed at the top of my voice, and now they were laughing at me. Humilating though it was, I learned a valuable lesson that day: do not yell, even though it seems the only logical option.
So, how can you stay calm when chaos surrounds you? How is it possible to be James Bond cool when the heat has been turned up to an unbearable temperature?
Well, here's a few ideas that you can use to help you.
Take your time:
Your lesson is not a race, and nor is it essential that you get through every single one of your carefully crafted PowerPoint slides.
Focus on maintaining your standards, and teaching the students to run to your time. Don't encourage time wasting, but be content to wait patiently for the students to listen. Adding time on at the end of a lesson can work wonders here.
Breath and think:
Not every problem requires an immediate response. Take a deep breath or two and decide what you are going to do, then act upon it. Do it steadily, and at your own pace. Don't do it any quicker, just because a fourteen year old banshee is screaming at you, demanding justice after their pen has been stolen. It's your classroom, do it on your terms.
Have a plan:
I personally have a list of actions and a list of consequences, that I take with me to every school. It's harder as a supply teacher, as you can't get that much needed consistency. However, I make sure every crime is punished consistently.
On my list is every possible classroom misdemeanour, and alongside it is a punishment I think is suitable.
I never change the punishment, and eventually students know what's coming.
Also I don't have to think, as I already know what punishment they will receive.
Don't fear the teacher:
We all have colleagues who judge, or we're all paranoid enough to think we are being judged by others.
"My classroom is like a warzone, what will Mr Jenkins think?"
Try and avoid thinking this at all, and remember that this is your class and not theirs. What they think, or what you think they might be thinking is adding unneeded pressure on yourself.
Lighten up:
You do not need to be a comedian, and you don't need to be the popular teacher, but you also don't need to be a misery guts who can't take a joke.
Relax your shoulders, speak to the students, and address them slowly and steadily. Ignore any giggling or muttering that you know is aimed at you, and don't take things personally.
Deal with every behaviour issue sensibly. Make sure poor behaviour is punished, but again make sure you do it your way. Isolate the offenders, and don't try and tackle 30 at once.
Let them do the heavy lifting:
You have 30 students in your classroom, so use them. Get them to hand books out, and to collect them in. Make sure they are the ones who are working hard, not just you.
Let them tidy the room, and make sure you have plenty of spare equipment (make sure that those who haven't brought equipment are punished). Slowly but surely they'll get used to doing things for themselves, and it will save you unnecessary work and stress.
Also don't jump the second they demand it. Explain that they must firstly attempt the work themselves, and then ask a partner for help, before demanding and screaming for you.
Ultimately, don't be passive, but don't be agressive either. Be firm, and clear. Remember that you are an adult, and that you are in charge.
Breath deeply, take your time, and be prepared. You might fight some battles at first, and it might seem counterintuitive, but little by little your calm approach will prevail.
