TheApple

I have found that simply touching a shoulder or using language like "Can I help you get started?" is more effective than stopping and waitinng or "You need to get to work."  Students who are acting out often times are looking for negative attention so don't give it to them :) Another effective phrase I use often when two students are misbehaving is " I don't feel like this is the best spot for you to learn, I feel as though you are being distracted, why don't you choose either this spot or this spot"......it is much more effective than getting upset and telling them where to go. Oh, and my student teacher enjoyed "impromtu" teaching as well.....it is stressful yes, but I also feel in the end it was beneficial. Keep at it! Good luck!

Dear Gabrielle,

I teach ELL learners as well as other learners-it is a struggle, but you will make it through.  Pinpoint if there is a ringleader who just really does not want to learn-in other words, you have tried everything to help this child, but he basically has an "I don't care attitude." If this student honestly doesn't want to work, document, document and get him out of there.  Chances are the others are followers and want to learn, but the ringleader is pulling them away from the lesson.  Also, there could be more than one ringleader...you'll be able to tell.  For example, if the stuent(ringleader) is absent that day, does class flow more smoothly?, etc. 

I'm sure you are using lots of  visual, hands on learning...ELL students really need this.  Sometimes the acting out is from their own frustration with not knowing English.  When you have your own classroom, you will have much more freedom to establish your own classroom behavioral guidelines.  If you can, get a hold of their TELPAS scores and see if they are beginning, intermediate, etc.  The master teacher knows these things-the disadvatage is you don't yet.  But you will once a classroom is yours. 

Your idea of just not talking is a great technique-The element of suprise is always a good thing.  I'm not sure your age group, but also try "if you can hear me clap once, if you can hear me clap twice", or "I'm waiting...eyes and ears on me"(visually point to your eyes and ears) then stand in a unique place in the room where they have to turn their heads.  Praise ELL stuents a lot with a thumbs up and a thumbs down.  Model what thumbs down means and what thumbs up means...and always get to know them as well as you can-if they sense you care, some will change. 

This is a goodie my mom(23 yr. teacher) taught me-walk around with a clipboard(don't let anyone see it) just look at those certain students (show no antogonism on your face) and pretend to jot down something-curiousity will make them ask did you write their name down-don't answer their questions-simply state-"I really appreciate Jose for being on task-he has his warm up out and is working on the fractions worksheet"...then when you see another student start working, say the same thing.  Ignore the other student until he shows you respect.  By no means be mean to them.  Never!  Just let them know, you are waiting for respect...also talk to them outside of the classroom and ask if there's anything you can do to help them-explain you want them to do very well-you, the teacher are doing your part, it's their turn to do theirs. 

And whatever makes you more comfortable-there is nothing wrong with preparing a lesson plan ahead of time(I did especially as a newbie)-Based on what the master teacher has established as far as classroom management, echo those procedures and add a few if needed.(just make sure it's okay with the master teacher first)  Students love free time on the computer(educaton-based) sites, and earning 5 minute free talk at the end of the period.  or play a fun game for the last 5 minutes if they behave well.  When you see a student doing a good job, give them a small reward like a cute pencil or pencil sharpener, etc.  A positive note, sticker-all depends on the age.  

It sounds like to me, you are doing your best.  Do you know how I know?  You asked for help.  We all(even experienced teachers) need to know when to ask for suggestions.  Always remember why you are teaching and if it's fun...keep on doing it.  Good luck and God bless! 

I'm also student teaching, so I know what you're going though. It's HARD work...especially because it's not your class. If they're off task while you're talking, give them a thinking map to take notes. Thinking maps are great for kids of all ages and language barriers because they can use these notes just for themselves, and yet, it holds them accountable for something while you're talking. I do it with my 5th graders, many of whom are content mastery because of a language barrier. When I student taught 1st grade, I used catchy phrases like, "When my voice is on, your voice is off." It's a good phrase because you take a negative phrase (no talking), to a positive (you don't say no or don't). I don't know why, but kids respond well to this. It actually works well with my 5th graders, too. Or you could stop and put your hand up. Keep it there and eventually the students will notice and raise their's, too. If they keep talking while their hand is up, simply say, "If your hand is up, your voice is off."

Good luck, and stick with it. You've got a lot of help and support..and a lot of people pulling for you. I've found that teachers really like and are eager to help out us newbies.