Classroom Management Tips for Handling Difficult Students:

Transform Your Classroom: Proven Classroom Management Techniques for Difficult Students

The Unexpected Encounter

As an interim assistant principal for an 8th-grade class, my daily routine involved various interactions with students, but one particular encounter stands out. This wasn’t with a high flyer—a term we use for those students who quickly make themselves known through repeated attention-seeking behaviors. Instead, it was with a quieter student, one who didn’t often come up on our radar. My approach with him turned out to be a powerful lesson in relationship-building that I want to share with you.

Recognizing the Unseen

This student wasn’t one of those who demanded constant attention. His biggest identifying approach was that he was loud. I don’t mean your normal loud, but he was LOUD, loud. Middle school teachers, I know you know what I’m talking about. But one day, I found him sitting in our lead secretary’s office. She was known for her exceptional ability to connect with students, always seeing and nurturing the good in them despite any outbursts or challenges. The students, ALL of them loved visiting and talking with her. Even when they were supposed to be somewhere else. 🙂

I walked into her office to return a hole puncher and she introduced me to the student. Without hesitation, I said, “Yes, I know [student’s name]. He’s a good kid.” Our secretary agreed, and I noticed him sit a little straighter, his head lifting slightly. He did not see me look his way. I returned the hole puncher and left, but the moment stayed with me. It was a small, seemingly insignificant interaction, but I could sense it made a difference to him.

The Impact of Genuine Recognition

This brief exchange exemplified a core belief of mine as an educator: recognizing and affirming students in authentic ways can profoundly impact their self-perception. Although I had only had a few encounters with this student during my interim period, expressing my genuine positive regard for him had a noticeable effect.

How You Can Build Relationships

1. Seize Everyday Moments: Look for small, everyday opportunities to recognize students. Acknowledge something unique about them—be it a comment they made, an item they wear, or a behavior they exhibit. These moments, though fleeting, can show students that you see them and appreciate them.

2. Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. Students can easily detect when you’re not being sincere. Make sure your acknowledgments come from a place of genuine interest and care.

3. Use Peripheral Interactions: Sometimes, the most impactful interactions happen in passing. A comment made while returning a hole puncher or a quick chat in the hallway can be powerful. These low-key interactions can help build trust and show students that you see them as individuals.

4. Collaborate with Staff: Work with your colleagues to find and nurture the good in every student. Share your observations and insights to create a supportive network around each child.

Creating Inconspicuous Moments

One practical way to ensure you build positive relationships with students is through these inconspicuous moments. Here’s a simple strategy to practice:

• Observe and Note: Pay attention to the small details about your students. What are they passionate about? What do they struggle with?
• Be Ready: When the moment arises, be ready to share a positive observation. This could be in a conversation with another staff member or a casual comment to the student.
• Stay Consistent: Make this a regular practice. Over time, these small moments accumulate and significantly impact the student’s perception of themselves and their relationship with you.

Conclusion

In education, it’s often the subtle, seemingly minor interactions that have the most significant impact. By consciously creating these moments and making them part of your natural approach, you can build stronger relationships with your students. Remember, it’s about being genuine and seizing the everyday opportunities to show you care. These efforts can transform your classroom dynamics and help your students feel seen, valued, and confident.