How to call a parent for disruptive behavior?

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imabima

Sun, Oct 31 2010, 7:26 pm

I teach at a Reform religious school. In my 6th grade class, I have a student who is EXTREMELY disruptive. FOr instance, today, he literally spoke out about unrelated things for the first 25 minutes of class until I sent him out of the room. This has happened every day for the last 4 classes.
Because I sent him out of the room, I am supposed to call his home and speak to his parents. I am very nervous and don't know exactly what to say. I want to take the easy way out and write and email instead, but I'm supposed to call.
Any help is what exactly to say? How to deal with parents? I am very nervous but have to call either today or tomorrow.

nicole81

Sun, Oct 31 2010, 7:37 pm

start with something positive about their child.

but then say that you're having a little trouble and because you only want the best for their child, you need their help.

let them know what's been going on and ask them to speak to their child about it. also let them know that you will be following up with them within a specific time frame to update them on their child's progress.

in addition, I hope you've spoken to the child regarding their behavior to perhaps gain some insight.

Merrymom

Sun, Oct 31 2010, 7:55 pm

Why are you nervous? I love when teachers tell me how my kids are behaving (or misbehaving). The problem is that they don't call me enough.

morahl

Mon, Nov 01 2010, 1:50 pm

As a teacher with a lot of experience with this situation, here is my advice:
Begin by complimenting the child: "I see that Yoni is very bright and creative." then explain the problem specifically, and ask if the parent has any suggestions as to what might help. They may assure you that they will talk to him and stop the disruptive behavior. If the first phone call doesn't help, after a week, suggest that a system of communication be put into place where Yoni brings you a card to be signed each day saying that he had a good day and did not interrupt the lesson. the parents can reward him at home for good behavior. This always works if followed through. The child transforms completely!
Hatzlacha - hope this helps!

Fox

Mon, Nov 01 2010, 2:07 pm

MorahL and Nicole81 have the right idea -- focus on the positive (even if there doesn't seem to be much of it!).

I'd also like to plug a book that I think is invaluable for teachers (and parents): Ron Clark's The Essential 55. Like any book on education, you have to choose what works for you and your situation, but he shares some great anecdotes about how he learned to approach the sometimes-difficult parents of his students as well as how to enlist their support in classroom control.

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