One question on every student’s mind the first day of school is whether or not their teacher is a pushover.
It’s natural.
They want to know what they can get away with, where the line is. And the answer comes easily. They just need to observe you. Your behavior always gives you away.
So what follows are 19 things that signal to students that you’re a pushover and they can get away with a lot.
- You don’t teach rules on the first day of school.
- You talk a lot and stray off topic.
- You fidget and pace nervously.
- You talk over students.
- Your expectations are vague.
- You play up rewards they’ll get for good behavior.
- You let them enter the room however they wish.
- You let them choose their seats.
- You raise your voice to be heard.
- You ignore minor misbehavior.
- You remind instead of enforce.
- Your desk is messy.
- You narrate your directions.
- You dress unprofessionally (flip-flops, t-shirts).
- Your supervision is erratic.
- You let students talk during independent work.
- You can’t get your class quiet whenever you want.
- You involve students in creating class rules.
- You have a lightweight presence.
It’s not students’ first choice to goof off or do things they shouldn’t in the classroom. It’s just that when the teacher proves to be a pushover it’s hard to resist.
If they can’t find inspiration and discipline from the leader of the classroom, then misbehavior becomes the next best option.
It’s better than boredom.
Despite some initial resistance and testing, all students want strong direction. They want boundaries. They want excellence, purpose, and motivation. They want discipline.
It feels good to be held to a high standard. Furthermore, it’s proof that someone cares about them.
PS – Check out this week’s YouTube videos:
1. How to Get Students to Respect You
2. Why Your Consequences Don’t Work
3. The Moment Students Stop Taking You Seriously
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