Kneeling down to a student’s eye level to discuss behavior or impart an important lesson is common practice.
It’s recommended without second thought.
Teachers do it every day. The idea is that it’s more effective and the student is more likely to heed your advice.
Except, it isn’t true. Furthermore, it’s a mistake that you may long regret.
Here’s why:
It’s dangerous.
SCM is a vessel for teacher horror stories. We hear it all, from teachers being accused of false crimes to their cars getting keyed in the parking lot.
One of the most common reports is being punched and kicked by students.
You must protect your safety. And nothing puts you in a more vulnerable position than kneeling down within striking distance. Add to it a discussion about misbehavior and you’re asking for trouble.
It’s threatening.
Some teachers will even hold the student by the arms or position the child’s back to a wall in order to keep them from moving or turning away.
But placing yourself inside a student’s personal space is threatening and hostile, especially if you put your hands on them (which is a no-no).
I see high school teachers invading personal space all the time. For many students, it’s an act of aggression that takes willpower to remain composed, particularly if eye contact seems forced.
It causes resentment.
Even if you do it kindly, at best getting eyeball-to-eyeball close is awkward for the student. Most likely, you’ll leave them creeped-out and offended.
They definitely won’t listen to you, other than than to tell you what you want to hear. Afterward, you’ll have less influence over their behavior, not more.
In this day and age, anything that whiffs of intimidation will backfire.
A Better Approach
So what should you do instead?
First, make a rule for yourself to never crowd into a student’s personal space, kneeling or otherwise. Always keep a safe distance.
Second, here at SCM we recommend managing behavior with all your cards laid out on the table. In other words, you model and teach exactly what you will do and what will happen if a student breaks a classroom rule.
And you adhere to it 100 percent of the time.
It’s a promise you’ll never break. In this way, you’ll have no reason to pull a student aside to discuss their behavior. You’ll also be able to maintain a trusting and influential relationship with each student.
As part of our high school plan, there is a moment when you’ll inform a student of next steps. However, it isn’t a discussion. You’re merely relaying the facts.
This approach to classroom management is not only safer, but far more effective. To learn more, check out our classroom management plan guides at right.
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