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Originally Posted by laylo
lol! I do need to become more bold with parents. I always try to sugar coat things because they think I'm so young and I don't know what I'm talking about because I am not a parent.
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You have to! I don't like to but it's very necessary. And if you have to take time to call, MOST parents will be "on your side." Try to communicate to them that you're only calling because you are concerned and that it is something you don't want to have to do; you gotta finesse them. Most of the times, I try to give them something positive (i.e., "He's a very intelligent student but his behavior is causing a problem.") and I ask for their help in getting the child on the right path. I even ask what works at home. Then there are those times when I'm not interested in a conversation--I want them to the come to the school for a conference. I skip pleasantries and get straight to it: "Hello. This is Meez Discreet, your child's English and Reading teacher. I'm calling to find out what day will be a good day for you to come to the school for a conference. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday?"
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Originally Posted by laylo
My only worry is that they will always need that in order to listen to me. I can keep doing it, but do you find that the incentives increase their willingness to behave? i.e. Do they become dependent on the incentive, or do they begin to see a general benefit in behaving well?
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They begin to see the benefit of behaving well because they see that class is better and more enjoyable when they behave well.
I've never worked with that age group so tell me, would rewarding the "good kids" encourage the others? Also, have you talked to administration? One of the teachers was so frustrated with her last class that she sent a formal invitation to the principal and counselor to come and observe. It was actually kind of cute with fancy font that said "You are cordially invited to come and observe my 4th/8th period" but also noted that with the present conditions, instruction is being impeded. When I saw it, I laughed so hard! It got their attention. They said they'll be in next week to observe.
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