So a student tests you on the first day of school.
- They laugh while you’re teaching your classroom management plan.
- They pull out their phone right in front of you.
- They ignore you and goof off with their old friends.
For many teachers, being tested so early stresses them out. It upsets them. It makes them think, “Oh no, it’s gonna be a long year.”
But viewed through the lens of effective classroom management, it’s good news.
Here’s why:
You can show who you are.
Being testing is an opportunity to show your new class what kind of leader you are. It cuts to the chase and, done right (see “How” below), avoids further testing.
It builds confidence.
Early testing allows you to follow through in the way you’ve been thinking about, visualizing, and preparing yourself for all summer. It’s living proof you can do it.
It sets a high standard.
After you’ve followed through, the rest of your class will sit up a little straighter. They’re rising in real time to the standards you’re setting.
It proves you’re the real deal.
Students test because they want to know if you’re the real deal or just another in a long line of all-talk, no-action teachers. Following through proves the former.
It establishes a first impression.
If you follow through calmly, your students’ first impression of you will be of a cool, confident leader they can put their trust in and respect.
It frees your class to focus.
Knowing that a consistent leader is at the helm releases your class from the peer pressure, excitability, and chaos that cause misbehavior—freeing them to relax and focus.
How
I smile inwardly when a student tests me early in the school year because it increases buy-in speed from the entire class.
They want to be part of something special and I get a chance to show them.
As for how to handle testing? If it happens after you’ve taught your classroom management plan—which should be within the first several minutes of the first day—then simply follow it.
If it comes before (unlikely), then ask the student to sit out while you’re teaching your plan. It can be at a designated time-out area or a seat or table nearby.
No discussion, explanation, or lecture required.
PS – Check out this week’s YouTube videos:
1. The Biggest First-Day Mistake Teachers Make
2. How to Win Over Your New Class
3. The First Sign Your Class is Slipping
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