Inner city schools

[ohiosnshine]

I am currently acting as a teacher's aide in a first grade class in an innercity school. My teacher recently informed me that I should be more firm with the students. She does not really have a discipline plan that is enforced, so she does a lot of yelling at the students. This seems to be pretty ineffective...the kids eventually just ignore her. She also threatens a lot, but her threats are usually empty and she doesn't carry through.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in the best way to maintain control over a classroom of inner-city kids who have some behavior issues.

[FangWB]

I am currently acting as a teacher's aide in a first grade class in an innercity school. My teacher recently informed me that I should be more firm with the students. She does not really have a discipline plan that is enforced, so she does a lot of yelling at the students. This seems to be pretty ineffective...the kids eventually just ignore her. She also threatens a lot, but her threats are usually empty and she doesn't carry through.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience in the best way to maintain control over a classroom of inner-city kids who have some behavior issues.

There are many ways to keep classroom under control. The first and the most important thing is to let students know that they are respected and accepted. If they don't think you care about them or respect them, they wouldnot be happy to go along with you.
The second is to give them some authority to take control of the classroom. Of course, you need to make sure to come up with some guidlines for them to follow and don't forget to praise their good work.
Try to use more positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
A good book on discipline might be helpful is: 'Solving discipline and classroom management problems-methods and models for today's teachers' by Charles H. Wolfgang.
Normally, the calmer the teacher is, the better the students behave.