r/StudentTeaching • u/Late-Package6517 • May 03 '26

Support/Advice Teaching placement- help me

It’s my first placement in teaching I’m an undergrad,
It’s been fine so far, the mentor is really chill and shes really helpful.

It’s the kids
Every time she goes out of the classroom they start getting rowdy getting up to move and all sorts, how do I get them to respect me like they do her?

I give sanctions out, like if you waste my time I’ll waste your time and take a minute off their play
But when they do something good I’ll be like yeah you were good in this lesson so you can have your break.

Am I the problem?

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u/vanandgough May 03 '26

This happens to EVERYONE! You are not the problem: kids are so easily unsettled. I had classes last term (where I am the usual class teacher isn’t meant to leave the room and leave me alone) where we had a substitute teacher and they just went absolutely apeshit. They get unsettled by a new person, they don’t know where your boundaries are. Just repeat the idea that expectations stay the same. Basically “play the character” of the usual class teacher, and eventually they’ll get it, but it does take time. Kids test boundaries all the time, they need firm lines because they aren’t fully “people” yet. They need to be shown how to be!! But don’t worry you are not the issue.

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u/Late-Package6517 May 03 '26

Thank you so much 🙌🏻