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[Carolebest]

HELP!..can anyone tell me how to discipline 20.. 5 yr old out of control chinese kids..(no stars on the wall or treats)...they've had 2 yrs of english and hardly know or speak or respond to anything....even their names..also..what are good lesson plan ideas to grab their interest?...i'm desperate!!..Thanks for any ideas!!

[mmm... pancakes]

Do you have a teaching assistant present? I know lots of people frown on their presence, but they CAN be helpful in disciplining the young 'uns.

I teach primary school too, and know what you're going through. In extreme cases, I've used candy as an attention-getter. But you don't want to use treats. How about boredom? You could try things like not starting the class until it's dead silent, leaving any fun stuff until the end, and telling them that you won't do it if they're naughty beforehand. Keep them one minute after class for every time you have to repeat a request for silence. Stuff that's hard-ass and boring at first. Generally relax it as they improve, but keep the hard-ass face in reserve for any time they act up.

When they're young they learn quickly, but also forget quickly. Finding new ways to do repitition can help - they obviously haven't had enough if they can't remember their names. Do you take a roll at the start of class? At least that helps with name recognition.

Yeah, I know these aren't the most original or inventive suggestions, but hope they help some anyway.

[Carolebest]

Thanks for the suggestions..i have 4 assistants mostly only 1 there at a time and some are better than others at getting the kids to behave. They are my lifeline!..and disicipline in chinese...they do alot better than me!!....i said no treats because they turn around in an instant and misbehave again...and the stars or stick'ems on the wall.. some started bringing their own and putting them up when i wasn't looking..(Pretty smart!..now to control it!)...and boredom?..there is always someone acting up..the other teachers tell me because it's 17 boys and only 3 girls.....and that chinese boys are terrors at this age!..no wonder i'm getting paid the big bucks!! (yeh! right!!)..i think i need some activities to grab their interest..any other hints for activities or web sites?..Thanks a bunch!!!

[mmm... pancakes]

Yikes! 17 boys! I've noticed and been convinced that the higher the ratio of girls to boys, the better the class will be. It's not only that girls tend to be better at languages, it's that boys are mean-spirited, IMO, and speaking as a boy myself.

Websites for activities? Sure. Browse around these forums a bit, there's often posts for people listing their best games. Otherwise, try here:
www.GenkiEnglish.com
or here: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/teacher/viewtopic.php?t=2591
or here: www.eslkidstuff.com

(or buy my e-book)