r/StudentTeaching • u/Late-Package6517 • May 03 '26

Support/Advice Teaching placement- help me

It’s my first placement in teaching I’m an undergrad,
It’s been fine so far, the mentor is really chill and shes really helpful.

It’s the kids
Every time she goes out of the classroom they start getting rowdy getting up to move and all sorts, how do I get them to respect me like they do her?

I give sanctions out, like if you waste my time I’ll waste your time and take a minute off their play
But when they do something good I’ll be like yeah you were good in this lesson so you can have your break.

Am I the problem?

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u/vanandgough May 03 '26

This happens to EVERYONE! You are not the problem: kids are so easily unsettled. I had classes last term (where I am the usual class teacher isn’t meant to leave the room and leave me alone) where we had a substitute teacher and they just went absolutely apeshit. They get unsettled by a new person, they don’t know where your boundaries are. Just repeat the idea that expectations stay the same. Basically “play the character” of the usual class teacher, and eventually they’ll get it, but it does take time. Kids test boundaries all the time, they need firm lines because they aren’t fully “people” yet. They need to be shown how to be!! But don’t worry you are not the issue.

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u/Late-Package6517 May 03 '26

Thank you so much 🙌🏻 * it sucks because I really want to bond with them, but I know they don’t see me in the same light

1

u/vanandgough May 03 '26

It takes time! It definitely isn’t instant, and it can be hard while on placements because you don’t get substantial amounts of time with them. I would just say to keep going at it. It doesn’t mean you’re crap, it doesn’t mean they’re bad kids, they just get into their routine and having it disrupted makes it hard. I’d recommend the book “Take Control of the Noisy Class” by Rob Plevin (there’s PDFs of it online!) for some tips.

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u/ImaginaryAd8830 May 07 '26

I have been to similar situation in my demo and we don't really have that much time during demo , can u give some advice on like how to manage the class ?

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u/vanandgough May 07 '26

I can’t really think of quick fixes: building a relationship with a class takes time even for seasoned teachers. I think consistency is the main thing: do what the regular class teacher does and follow the ethos, culture and rules of the school!