Classroom Management for Handling Inappropriate Comments from Students

There are always going to be students who try to make us feel uncomfortable by asking increasingly personal, inappropriate, or just plain silly questions. This is especially common when we get a new class to teach. Whether it’s the start of term or a cover lesson it is a scenario which must be dealt with swiftly – otherwise your control over the class can be severely eroded. 

“Why are you late, sir?” 
“Were you out last night…?” 
“Where did you go…” 
“Do you have a drink…” 
“Is that why you’re late…” 
“Did you pull…” 
“Does your wife know…” “Have you got a wife…” 
“Is she nice looking, sir?” 

…and so on. 

This is a ploy to gain attention, hold up lessons and look good in front of their friends; to try and find our weaknesses, to embarrass us and ultimately wind us up. Sometimes they try to shock us in front of their peers as a way of displaying or increasing their status, and sometimes they just want to have a laugh. Other times it may be because they feel they have known us long enough to warrant being over-familiar. 

Such situations, harmless as they may first seem, need to be cut early before they get out of hand. If you go along with the first few questions more and more students will get drawn in, and once that happens the comments get worse – becoming sillier, ruder and more personal until the situation becomes very difficult to control. 

The result is, at best, a very annoyed and embarrassed member of staff, a loss of respect, damaged relationships and a class of very excited students – some of whom are likely to be given sanctions they will consider unfair and that could have been avoided. 

One way to deal with this type of questioning is to take the attention away from the child as soon as possible. The following techniques are excellent for doing that and should be used whenever you are faced with inappropriate questions or insults from a student:

1. Calmly state that the conversation is inappropriate and must stop: 

“That comment is inappropriate/unacceptable. You need to think before saying things like that.” 

“We’ll talk about these comments later.” 

Make the statement without emotion and then move on with the  lesson. It should be a complete brush off. Don’t get drawn into a conversation with this person and don’t answer any more of their comments – you’ve dealt with them and they deserve no more of your attention. 

2. Create a diversion such as a quick demonstration, introducing a new topic/game etc. 

“Look this way everyone please, I set this up earlier.” 

“OK, for this game you need a blue pen and a piece of scrap paper…” 

Once again, the secret is to move on from their questions immediately and change the focus of attention. In order to be able to do this on your toes and not get caught out trying to think of suitable alternative activities you really should have a resource file (either in your head or hard copy) of interesting and engaging games and fill-in activities. 

3. Take out a pen and paper and say: 

“I’m writing your comments down; I’m recording what you say so that I don’t make a mistake when I explain your behaviour to other people.” 

4. Use Humour: 

While you should avoid hitting out with sarcasm and personal slights, stealing the attention with correct use of humour can be a nice way of diverting attention. 

“I hope you believe in freedom, because if you keep making comments like that you're going to lose yours at break-time!” 

”Three simple instructions: shut up, sit down, and hold your breath until you are a uniform shade of red.” 

Three ways to learn more from Needs Focused Teaching

 1. The Classroom Management Kit – Only £1 

It’s PACKED with novel, actionable ideas you can use in your classroom tomorrow. 

• A novel way to silence any group in just 10 seconds! (Works every time!)  
• Ten words that guarantee respect from ANY challenging student  
• The super-effective way to stop behaviour WITHOUT arguments  
• The simple lesson plan addition that creates 100% focus and engagement 
• How to instantly gain total silence whenever you need it.  
• How to set up and apply consequences 
• Plus much, much more  

Includes 3 strategy-packed guides and 2 training videos 

Get Your Copy Now for Just £1: 

https://www.needsfocusedteaching.com/cmkit  

2. Get Rewarded for Your Love of Reading Education and Parenting books! 

We're inviting you to join our special Book Launch Team! Enjoy a free copy of our latest educational or parenting book, complete with bonus materials and future discounts on new releases.

How to Participate? Simply join our community by visiting https://www.facebook.com/groups/247108030664196. 

An honest review about each book is appreciated but not compulsory.Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy books and rewards together! Join us now!

3.  Our books. All available on Amazon.