How to Deal with a Class out of Control by Using a Behavior Reset

It’s tough trying to teach when your class is out of control. 

Your students might be going wild right before a long weekend, or they might have forgotten all the rules after winter break.

Maybe you’re dealing with the daily post-lunch sugar rush, but one thing’s certain: This can’t continue.

I’m going to share my favorite way to take back control from a class that’s quickly descending into chaos.

When done right, it takes less than five minutes.

Ready? Let’s go.

Step One: Call a Class Meeting

A class meeting is the first step in a behavior reset.

Choose a spot in your classroom where you can gather students on the floor for the meeting.

Elementary teachers, this is probably your Morning Meeting corner or the carpet at the front of the room.

Middle school teachers can still do this too, but you might need to rearrange some furniture first. (And yes, even 8th graders should sit on the floor, or at least in nearby desks.)

Having students sit on the floor changes their environment. They’re used to the view from their desk. Now they’re looking at something different. By having them on the floor, they’re also physically closer to you as well as lower than you, both of which place you in a position of power and control from a body-language standpoint.

Step Two: Name the Observed Behaviors

With older students (upper elementary through middle school), start by asking them why you called the meeting.

See if anyone identifies the misbehavior before you tell them what you observed. 

(This also sets you up for quicker class meetings in the future. If students are already on the lookout for misbehavior, they’ll be more likely to identify it, which is the first step to correcting it.)

With younger students, or if no older student volunteers, tell them exactly what you saw.

Be careful not to name names. Instead of saying, “Stuart and Jimothy can’t keep their hands to themselves,” say, “I noticed that several students are having a hard time keeping their hands to themselves.” You might make eye contact with the most severe offenders, but chances are, they know who’s behind it.

Step Three: Review the Expectation

I’m a big fan of using the word “expectation” with students of all ages. Even kindergartners can understand the concept of “expected behavior” – and it makes them feel smart to know such a big word.

Whether you’re reviewing class rules, school rules, or simply Be a Good Human norms, be very specific in what you expect to see.

Step Four: Set Consequences

Sometimes students need external reminders before they internalize appropriate behavior. 

Whatever consequences are in your classroom management plan, introduce or review them now.

Step Five: Send Students Back to their Seats

End the behavior reset by telling students that they’re about to go back to their seats. Review the expected behaviors and consequences once more.

Then send them back to continue working.

A Quick Behavior Reset Calms a Class Out of Control

This whole process doesn’t take more than five minutes. That’s the point.

When a class reset is:

• Focused
• Intentional
• Concise

And if students continue the behaviors after the reset? Enact the consequences and call another class meeting.

Sample Script to Use During a Class Reset

(Fill in the blanks to fit your situation and students.)

Name the Problem Behavior

Class, lately I’ve noticed that during [time of day/activity], many students are [name inappropriate behavior].

• Talking while others are talking
• Not keeping hands/feet to themselves
• Not following the directions the first time
• Talking to friends instead of completing the work
• Getting out of their seats

Say Why It’s a Problem

This makes it hard for classmates to learn because [say why the behavior is a problem].

• When people talk over each other, no one can hear the directions
• When people leave their seats, someone could get bumped or hurt

Validate Their Objections

I understand that sometimes [list times or instances when the behavior might be allowed].

• We need to throw something away
• You need a tissue
• You want to share something exciting with a friend
• Some people work faster than others

Counter Their Objection

However, it’s important to remember [counter to the objection].

• Going to the trash can/tissue box doesn’t mean taking a detour all the way around the classroom
• Class time is for academic work, not for chatting with friends
• It’s important to let everyone have a quiet environment to work, just like you had

State the Expected Behavior Clearly

Going forward, the expectation is that you will [name correct behavior].

• Keep your voice off when directions are being given
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself
• Only go where you need to in the room
• Follow the direction the first time you hear it

Name the Consequence

If I notice anyone still having trouble following this rule, [name consequence from classroom management plan].

• I will make a phone call home
• That person will stay in from recess
• The student will be assigned a lunch detention
• That student will no longer be allowed to sit with their friends

Send Students Back to Work

In just a moment, I’m going to send you back to your seats to work. I know that you will walk to your desks quickly and quietly and get right to work. No one will [insert inappropriate behavior], and we won’t have to have this conversation again. Right? Right. Back to work, please.

F.A.Q.