Unruly Catechism Class - HELP

[Mel_Stones]

I volunteered to be a catechist at my parish this year thinking ‘I like working with children and I like teaching about our faith’. My class is fourth grade - 7 boys, 3 girls. I just finished my first class. :bigyikes: It was chaos! I didn’t have control for a second! The boys wouldn’t be quiet! They were giggling, talking, throwing things, whispering, taking each others things. They gave smart-alec responses to the questions. :banghead: Really it was three of the boys that were causing all the trouble but it disrupted the entire class.

I just don’t know what to do. I told, asked, nearly yelled to be quiet and sit still. I sat two of them in corners - not a punishment I usually use for fourth graders. It did nothing, they weren’t embarrassed. They didn’t even care. I sent one of them out of the room but his mom is also a catechist so he got sent right back. Besides they WANT to be sent out.

I don’t think anyone really learned anything. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve worked with kids for the past six years but nothing like this. They don’t want to be there, I don’t know how to make it fun, and they don’t want to learn even if it was fun. I don’t mean to rant so but I’m just at such a lose.

I’m not doing my job as a catechist if they don’t learn. I might have made a big mistake volunteering but I really thought it was something God wanted me to do.

Any suggestions? Or prayers since my parish is very short-handed and backing out isn’t an option.

 

[maryjk]

I also teach 4th grade, but I have 24. And my first class was as unruly as yours. We have had 4 classes now. Each one was a little better.

What made the difference?

Stop lights. I set up a poster with each child having a spot. Each spot has 3 cards, one green, one yellow and one red. All the children start on green. When a child is unruly, their color gets changed to yellow. If the child continues to be unruly, they are changed to red.

Every child that is green, at the end of the class, get a prize. Last week it was a holy card, next week it will be candy. Children that are yellow or red, receive nothing. If the entire class is green, the next week I will bring cookies, cupcakes, ice cream or the like for EVERYONE. Bet it takes a month for that to happen.

In other words, I bribe them.

 

[KarenElissa]

My advice is set high expectations, be consistent in enforcing them, and keep them busy.

You want to have expectations that are spelled out so everyone knows exactly what they should be doing. Your kids are old enough to know how they should act, so maybe take some time and have them write out a contract as a class and then have everyone sign it.

Next, you are going to have to be strict in enforcing them. Start off really strict and then you can loosen up a bit as you go along. Also make sure you are consistent, come up with a consequence or reward and follow through, every time. Also, I wouldn’t be afraid to talk to their parents. It isn’t fair to the kids who are trying learn to be distracted by a few and maybe their parents can have a little chat.

Keep them busy is a big way to deal with problems, make them so busy that they don’t have time to get into trouble. Make sure that you have plenty to fill up every possible minute, from when they walk in the door to when they leave. Make sure that you have a variety of activities and activities for different learning styles. And make sure that you are connecting what you are learning to their daily life. Here is a good example of this from a blog on catechesis.

 

[HyeDetroit]

I also teach 4th grade, but I have 24. And my first class was as unruly as yours. We have had 4 classes now. Each one was a little better.

What made the difference?

Stop lights. I set up a poster with each child having a spot. Each spot has 3 cards, one green, one yellow and one red. All the children start on green. When a child is unruly, their color gets changed to yellow. If the child continues to be unruly, they are changed to red.

Every child that is green, at the end of the class, get a prize. Last week it was a holy card, next week it will be candy. Children that are yellow or red, receive nothing. If the entire class is green, the next week I will bring cookies, cupcakes, ice cream or the like for EVERYONE. Bet it takes a month for that to happen.

In other words, I bribe them.

I think that’s a great approach. Kids love candy, they’ll sit still for a starburst or hershey kiss. I would give everyone who was behaving well in the class candy and none to the troublemakers.

 

[Megs1019]

I don’t know if I can offer any advice that will work for everyone but I will tell you what I have done. I have taught catechism for 7 years now and soon to start my eighth year. I have taught 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th grades. It is not easy when you first start however it does get easier. One thing that I do is if a student is acting up I make them write out the prayer that they need to know for the year. Some how when their hands are moving, their mouths don’t, plus they learn to memorize the prayer. Double bonus. Then when other studnets see me getting out the lined paper they all whisper for everyone to be quiet because the paper came out of the box. Even when the time is almost over I tell them they need to finish before they leave and that I will wait until they are finished. Another way is to tell them that we have a lesson to cover and we don’t leave until we have covered it. They want to leave so they are more attentive. I also am not afraid to deviate from the lesson if the lesson sparks questions in another direction. You are there to teach religion and faith. In one of our lessons it says faith is asking questions and seeking answers. I feel the children’s faith gets sparked by being relaxed enough to ask the questions and having a teacher willing to deviate from the lesson a little to answer them. Kids have tons of questions. Your there to teach what the Holy Spirit also guides you to teach. Sometimes I don’t have time to prepare a lesson and ask the Spirit to guide me and those I feel are the best sessions I had with the kids. I know that how I have taught my class has had an impact on my students because the parents request me for their other kids. My best moment in teaching was 6th grade when on the last day the kids cheered my last name. They were a great class that was unruly too but with patience they taught me too. I hope this was helpful and not to long. Keep the faith and good luck.

 

[puzzleannie]

I also teach 4th grade, but I have 24. And my first class was as unruly as yours. We have had 4 classes now. Each one was a little better.

What made the difference?

Stop lights. I set up a poster with each child having a spot. Each spot has 3 cards, one green, one yellow and one red. All the children start on green. When a child is unruly, their color gets changed to yellow. If the child continues to be unruly, they are changed to red.

Every child that is green, at the end of the class, get a prize. Last week it was a holy card, next week it will be candy. Children that are yellow or red, receive nothing. If the entire class is green, the next week I will bring cookies, cupcakes, ice cream or the like for EVERYONE. Bet it takes a month for that to happen.

In other words, I bribe them.

I do a variation of this and suggest catechists do it.
carry red yellow and green cards as you walk around the room teaching (never sit still or turn your back on a class), drop a green card at the first infraction, yellow next, red is the last and final, then your aide takes them to the DRE or coordinator (or they must move to the time out corner if that is not possible)
you discuss the system at the first class, and tell them how it works
you also work together to come up with class rules and post them the first class, and the cards are given only when those rules are broken. make sure everyone understands the system and the rules.

The first time the kid is sent to me I have a talk with them, and give them a task to work on until the session is over. The second time, i call the parent and inform them that the child has one more chance to shape up. The third time, the parent is called to pick him up immediately and that he cannot return to class unless the parent is willing to sit with him for at least 3 class periods. That has happened twice, and in both cases, the kid has made no further problem. If the parent does not want to do that, I give them a free book and invite them to homeschool and return the completed workbook for credit.

the beauty of the card system is you do not react to the bad behavior, don’t stop teaching, don’t take attention away from the learners, just drop the card on the desk. This verbal chastisement gets nowhere and is useless.

 

[Br_Rich_SFO]

I volunteered to be a catechist at my parish this year thinking ‘I like working with children and I like teaching about our faith’. My class is fourth grade - 7 boys, 3 girls. I just finished my first class. :bigyikes: It was chaos! I didn’t have control for a second! The boys wouldn’t be quiet! They were giggling, talking, throwing things, whispering, taking each others things. They gave smart-alec responses to the questions. :banghead: Really it was three of the boys that were causing all the trouble but it disrupted the entire class.

I just don’t know what to do. I told, asked, nearly yelled to be quiet and sit still. I sat two of them in corners - not a punishment I usually use for fourth graders. It did nothing, they weren’t embarrassed. They didn’t even care. I sent one of them out of the room but his mom is also a catechist so he got sent right back. Besides they WANT to be sent out.

I don’t think anyone really learned anything. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve worked with kids for the past six years but nothing like this. They don’t want to be there, I don’t know how to make it fun, and they don’t want to learn even if it was fun. I don’t mean to rant so but I’m just at such a lose.

I’m not doing my job as a catechist if they don’t learn. I might have made a big mistake volunteering but I really thought it was something God wanted me to do.

Any suggestions? Or prayers since my parish is very short-handed and backing out isn’t an option.

You might ask for or ask the DRE to ask for each parents cell phone number, strike-three and mom or dad gets called to come to your room and gets to sit in the class with them.

 

[1ke]

You wrote that “mom is a catechist and they got sent right back.” By whom?

You need to talk to the DRE and tell them that discipline will be enforced in your class and unruly children will not be tolerated. The catechist mom will have to deal with her unruly child like any other parent.

If your DRE does not support discipline, your ship is already sunk.

I set my rules out on the first night, tell the kids what is expected, and the enforce them. They behave 8 hours a day at school. They know how to behave perfectly well. They are merely testing you to see what they can get away with. You are in charge or they are… you have the power to decide which it will be.

I call parents, which I actually haven’t had to do in a long time. I often use the phrase, “Do you want to call your parents and explain to them why you cannot behave in class and why they will have to come get you?” No one has ever said “yes.” Always the answer is “no” to which I reply, “then you need to make some different behavior choices starting right now.” Works every time.

Also, I would use homeschooling as the final option for those who will not behave in class.

On the flip side-- 4th graders have a lot of energy and they have already been sitting in class all day. So, do give them a little leeway to be active. I mean, how long can a 9 year old boy sit still? Not long. Have the them help you with tasks like passing out things, picking up, even just give them 1-2 minutes to stand up and jump around and then return to the lesson (call it praising the Lord or something). Do active things in the lesson that they can participate in-- try to avoid “lecture” all the time.

And, start your lessons by bringing them all into prayer and quiet time with their eyes closed.

 

[maryjk]

the beauty of the card system is you do not react to the bad behavior, don’t stop teaching, don’t take attention away from the learners, just drop the card on the desk. This verbal chastisement gets nowhere and is useless.

I agree, I like the ability to flip the card to yellow or red, without a break in teaching. I really hate to take time from the students that are trying to listen and participate.

And you are so right, at this age verbal chastisement is something they almost enjoy. I just don’t get it.

 

[Mel_Stones]

Thank you all for your replies - any additional suggestions still welcome.

After a night’s rest, lots of prayer, and a talk with my priest, I am a lot calmer now than when I wrote the OP. I am really nervous about next week but I’m going to start preparing now. I have decided to do several things for my second class

Get a way to contact the parents - I don’t have any way at the moment.
Greet the students at the door - give them the individual blessing I was suppose to give them the first class (but never got the chance - really not for an instant did I have control), then direct them to an assigned seat where they are to sit silently. (This won’t be my usually technique, it is just to set the line now. I’ll give more slack later if possible).
Make it clear that anything that will interfere with others’ ability to learn will not be tolerated.
They will receive one warning (which I will note for myself so I don’t give 50 ‘last warnings’). On the second offense they will be escorted out of the room by my assistant (she wasn’t there yesterday) where they will copy the prayer they are suppose to be learning - their parents will be informed that they had to leave the class.
If there is time remaining and they agree to behave, the assistant can bring them back in.

As for the child I sent out yesterday whose mom is a catechist - I don’t think she really registered that he was in trouble. I didn’t talk to her and explain afterward because I was slightly in shock at the hour I’d just endured. Really I was sitting in my classroom resisting the urge to :banghead:.

As for the DRE, I don’t know if she’s on board or not. She asked how my first class went and couldn’t seem to comprehend that it was awful (I was trying very hard not to rant or sound hopeless). I think I will compose an e-mail (the most reliable means of reaching her) that spells out what my recommended discipline is and ask her approval.

Again thank you all and God bless anyone willing to share our faith with our children.

 

[KarenElissa]

Thank you all for your replies - any additional suggestions still welcome.

After a night’s rest, lots of prayer, and a talk with my priest, I am a lot calmer now than when I wrote the OP. I am really nervous about next week but I’m going to start preparing now. I have decided to do several things for my second class

Get a way to contact the parents - I don’t have any way at the moment.
Greet the students at the door - give them the individual blessing I was suppose to give them the first class (but never got the chance - really not for an instant did I have control), then direct them to an assigned seat where they are to sit silently. (This won’t be my usually technique, it is just to set the line now. I’ll give more slack later if possible).
Make it clear that anything that will interfere with others’ ability to learn will not be tolerated.
They will receive one warning (which I will note for myself so I don’t give 50 ‘last warnings’). On the second offense they will be escorted out of the room by my assistant (she wasn’t there yesterday) where they will copy the prayer they are suppose to be learning - their parents will be informed that they had to leave the class.
If there is time remaining and they agree to behave, the assistant can bring them back in.

As for the child I sent out yesterday whose mom is a catechist - I don’t think she really registered that he was in trouble. I didn’t talk to her and explain afterward because I was slightly in shock at the hour I’d just endured. Really I was sitting in my classroom resisting the urge to :banghead:.

As for the DRE, I don’t know if she’s on board or not. She asked how my first class went and couldn’t seem to comprehend that it was awful (I was trying very hard not to rant or sound hopeless). I think I will compose an e-mail (the most reliable means of reaching her) that spells out what my recommended discipline is and ask her approval.

Again thank you all and God bless anyone willing to share our faith with our children.

That sounds like a good plan, only one thing I would suggest. Instead of having them come in and just sit quietly, have something for them to do. Some kind of worksheet, write out the prayer, answer some questions, coloring page, something. Expecting kids to sit quietly and do nothing very rarely ends well.

And many prayers that next week goes better for you.

 

[puzzleannie]

how are you structuring you class time? if you expect children to come to CCD after being in school all day and sit still reading from a book or listening to the teacher for an hour, you are sunk, it’s over. spend time this week with your catechist manual, and the on-line resources from your publisher, look for characteristics of your learners, and multiple ways of teaching, reinforcing and assessing learning.

your DRE has to know and wants to know about all the trouble you are having, and also what is going right, if you don’t tell us we can’t help you. yes, you can cry, we do it all the time, you can yell, but yell at us, not the parents or students.

 

[Mel_Stones]

That sounds like a good plan, only one thing I would suggest. Instead of having them come in and just sit quietly, have something for them to do. Some kind of worksheet, write out the prayer, answer some questions, coloring page, something. Expecting kids to sit quietly and do nothing very rarely ends well.

And many prayers that next week goes better for you.

Good point. Thanks, I will do that.

 

[Mel_Stones]

how are you structuring you class time? if you expect children to come to CCD after being in school all day and sit still reading from a book or listening to the teacher for an hour, you are sunk, it’s over. spend time this week with your catechist manual, and the on-line resources from your publisher, look for characteristics of your learners, and multiple ways of teaching, reinforcing and assessing learning.

your DRE has to know and wants to know about all the trouble you are having, and also what is going right, if you don’t tell us we can’t help you. yes, you can cry, we do it all the time, you can yell, but yell at us, not the parents or students.

I don’t expect 9 year olds to sit still - I can’t even do that (no really I can’t, ask my priest). I admit I’m going to do a little ‘instill the fear of God’, or at least their parents, for this next lesson. I don’t have any high expectations that they are going to sit still, answer intelligently (adult intelligence) and generally be little angels. I’m just going to try to get a little control. I want them to participate, ask questions, have fun and learn. I just feel the need to be more strict this time because I think I’ve already lost a lot of ground.

I hate to admit this but I think my DRE thinks I’m . . . shall we say of lower intelligence. Its her body language. When I said my class didn’t go well she looked confused and said “What they asked a lot of questions?” and I responded (slightly in anger) “Yeah smart-alec questions. No they just wouldn’t listen” then tried not to sound like I hated it (because I didn’t I’m just frustrated and shocked). I admit I’m not comfortable enough to cry in front of her and I’m not comfortable being angry in front of anyone but my dad or Father. I would never yell at the students or parents. You’re right I need to let my DRE know what’s going on.

I will get better. I will continue to pray. God be with me and Holy Spirit guide me and my actions .

Thank you for your concerns and advice, puzzleannie.

 

[maryjk]

how are you structuring you class time? if you expect children to come to CCD after being in school all day and sit still reading from a book or listening to the teacher for an hour, you are sunk, it’s over. spend time this week with your catechist manual, and the on-line resources from your publisher, look for characteristics of your learners, and multiple ways of teaching, reinforcing and assessing learning.

your DRE has to know and wants to know about all the trouble you are having, and also what is going right, if you don’t tell us we can’t help you. yes, you can cry, we do it all the time, you can yell, but yell at us, not the parents or students.

Our classes are on Sunday. Most haven’t been to Mass yet. But it sounds like the OP’s class is during the week.

I also have told students that they are welcome to stand, as long as they stay in their area. They are not allowed to walk around. I have one student that stands, leans over the table and does his work that way. He doesn’t disturb anyone, he is just never on his butt.

 

[maryjk]

As for the child I sent out yesterday whose mom is a catechist - I don’t think she really registered that he was in trouble. I didn’t talk to her and explain afterward because I was slightly in shock at the hour I’d just endured. Really I was sitting in my classroom resisting the urge to :banghead:.

At the end of my first class, I walked into the hallway and a friend told me that I looked shell shocked. I have to say, I think I was. I couldn’t believe that 4th graders would act that way.

 

[kage_ar]

Start tough, you can become nice later

Bribes work.

 

[Tigg]

I volunteered to be a catechist at my parish this year thinking ‘I like working with children and I like teaching about our faith’. My class is fourth grade - 7 boys, 3 girls. I just finished my first class. :bigyikes: It was chaos! I didn’t have control for a second! The boys wouldn’t be quiet! They were giggling, talking, throwing things, whispering, taking each others things. They gave smart-alec responses to the questions. :banghead: Really it was three of the boys that were causing all the trouble but it disrupted the entire class.

I just don’t know what to do. I told, asked, nearly yelled to be quiet and sit still. I sat two of them in corners - not a punishment I usually use for fourth graders. It did nothing, they weren’t embarrassed. They didn’t even care. I sent one of them out of the room but his mom is also a catechist so he got sent right back. Besides they WANT to be sent out.

I don’t think anyone really learned anything. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve worked with kids for the past six years but nothing like this. They don’t want to be there, I don’t know how to make it fun, and they don’t want to learn even if it was fun. I don’t mean to rant so but I’m just at such a lose.

I’m not doing my job as a catechist if they don’t learn. I might have made a big mistake volunteering but I really thought it was something God wanted me to do.

Any suggestions? Or prayers since my parish is very short-handed and backing out isn’t an option.

My very deepest sympathies! I have 3rd Grade this year and all in all it went pretty well the first week with only two boys kicking each other under the table! Sunday we will have assigned seating with the very quietest girl sitting to the very rowdiest boy!

What you have to give them is a dog and pony show! Seriously…I am exhausted by the end of the week trying to come up with new and creative, fun and innovative ways to teach…and remember they all learn differently…some are visual, some aren’t, etc.

BUT MOST OF ALL…I get on my knees before each class and render a heartfelt request to Our Lady to stand by me for the hour and 15 mins we are in class!

 

[PJM]

=Mel Stones;5708870]I volunteered to be a catechist at my parish this year thinking ‘I like working with children and I like teaching about our faith’. My class is fourth grade - 7 boys, 3 girls. I just finished my first class. :bigyikes: It was chaos! I didn’t have control for a second! The boys wouldn’t be quiet! They were giggling, talking, throwing things, whispering, taking each others things. They gave smart-alec responses to the questions. :banghead: Really it was three of the boys that were causing all the trouble but it disrupted the entire class.

I just don’t know what to do. I told, asked, nearly yelled to be quiet and sit still. I sat two of them in corners - not a punishment I usually use for fourth graders. It did nothing, they weren’t embarrassed. They didn’t even care. I sent one of them out of the room but his mom is also a catechist so he got sent right back. Besides they WANT to be sent out.

I don’t think anyone really learned anything. I just don’t know what to do. I’ve worked with kids for the past six years but nothing like this. They don’t want to be there, I don’t know how to make it fun, and they don’t want to learn even if it was fun. I don’t mean to rant so but I’m just at such a lose.

I’m not doing my job as a catechist if they don’t learn. I might have made a big mistake volunteering but I really thought it was something God wanted me to do.

Any suggestions? Or prayers since my parish is very short-handed and backing out isn’t an option.

Here are a couple of ideas that might help. I taught fourth to 12 th geade CCD.

1. Speak your Rel. Ed. director and get a assistant. My wife handled it for me. She has the main duty of keeping things in control.
2. Take charge. At the begaining of your next class ask a question. [Let them know you don’t expect a verbal answer, but they are to ask themselves]

Why are you here? Then explain why YOU are there to share our Catholic Faith. And that class is exactly what we are going to do. Are there any questions?

I expect respect and your attention and participation in what we do. Most of you are here because “my parents make me come.” Well that is there RIGHT and moral obligation. So park it and clamp it.

Lets began with a prayer. Always began and end with prayer. Some the “ususal” and introduce a few new ones. Look for religious games to play. Not for the entire class, but as a reward for GOOD BEHAVIOR!

Don’t be afraid to tell them to park it and be quiet, we are now in class. Firmly but nicely.

If that does not work, tell the kids who are not behaving that you will call their parents and let them know whats going on. The do it, with firmness and charity.

Don’t raise your voice and don’t threaten. Just let them know your in charge and mean business.

Some parents don’t like this next idea but I did it for many years.

I told the kids at the first class what my expetations were, and that it WOULD BE work! So when I work, I get paid, and I think you should too.

You can earn a piece of candy for every question you answer, and 2 pcs if you get it right, or however you choose to set it up.

I had the bowl of candy on my desk, and it was on the honor system. They got paid at the end of class.

Hope something here is of assistance ?

Love and prayers, and THANKS for waht your doing.

Pat

The other thing you need to do is be over prepared for class, including praying and asking for Divine assistance. Kids today are used to instant gratification. You need a varity of topics, and a varity of activities. KEEP IT MOVING. When one thing isn’t working have a back up plan and jump to it.

You can’t just lector kids this age. You have to get them involved. Search the “net” for ideas and materials. See what a sister parish is doing, don’t be afraid to ask and emulate.

 

[Mel_Stones]

Had the second class of RE last night. It went TONS better. Still LOTS to work on but I think I established my authority. They actually had some respect for me and the words ‘Let us pray’ - although I had one student try to walk away as I gave him an individual blessing.

Assigned seats, work to do upon arrival, one warning and a group lecture did the trick. As soon as I said ‘You can stand as long as you stay in your area’ four students leaped to their feet. Two boys had to hand write the Act of Faith and listened after that. A third boy I had to send out of class all together because he simply would not stay on topic and was intentionally distracting the others.

I’m still not sure much learning took place - the quizzes averaged 60-70%. Most missed the fact the Scripture is the Word of God and what Psalms and Revelation are. I know what to re-emphasis next time.

The fact that last weekend Father said a blessing over all Catechists including a laying on of hands helped immensely.

Thank you all for your support and prayer. I now have hope!!!

Aside: Adult Scripture Study is immediately after RE is dismissed. Father made a joke about someone not being able to smell so well (paint cans were near by). I said “I really don’t smell too good” and Father responded “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that . . .” I looked straight at him and said “You spent an hour with fourth graders and let’s see how good you smell”. He looked scared and with all sympathy nodded his agreement.