Teaching Troublemakers?

Charissa Bichsel: Sometimes, and only sometimes, if you give the trouble makers jobs and keep them busy being responsible they rise to the occasion and really start helping you. Another idea is to "solicit good intentions". This means that if they have done anything at all and they may have a favorable reason for doing it, praise them for thinking about that reason for doing it, then they may start to think of ways to be more like that. (I have trouble with this one but if you are able it may help you a lot) Another idea is that if they are really looking for attention, then stop the whole group and and say "It looks like Bobby here wants to perform for us, so lets take some time and watch him. Usually that stops them immediately, but if they are really bad they may call your bluff. The main thing to remember is that often children like this need extra special grace and patience and need to know that you love and care for them. Be firm but not harsh. Do not do any acti! on out of spite. If this is a Christian summer camp pray for ideas to help you - either be more patient or figure out other strategies....Show more

Florencio Dingle: Give them a job to do. When you give troublemakers responsibilities (that they enjoy doing) they don't have as much time to get in trouble. You could also try splitting them up. You could put one or both in charge of snacks and food, handing out supplies for projects, etc. Just really anything that makes them feel like they are given some sort of status and that they are helping. Another thing I always did when babysitting was make kids run laps if they were being too hyper and annoying....Show more

Shon Almquist: In order to better teach troublemakers the teacher must keep them busy all the time.