How to tell off a student

It’s tricky when you realise you have to discipline a student.  You want them to like you, and by telling someone off, you’re risking them not liking you.  Or so you think…

I promise, if you tell them off fairly, about a specific incident, you will actually gain their respect, along with the respect of the other students and any parents in the room.  And actually, being respected is more important than being liked.  You’re there for teaching.  Not a popularity contest.

The best thing to do is look them in the eye, talk slowly, firmly, and with a low voice and say what you want them to do/not do.

For example:

“Will you please stand still and pay attention when I’m giving instructions.”

“Don’t play when I’m talking.”

“You’re being rude when Lucy is playing.  Show her some respect.”

Don’t dwell on the incident.  Don’t keep referring to it throughout the lesson, unless of course the student continues the undesirable behaviour.  In that case, you need to tell them off and give a consequence.

“I’ve already told you to stop playing when I’m talking. If you can’t manage yourself I’ll have to take your recorder off you and you won’t play the next song.”

And if they do it again…that recorder’s gone!