The Pest

1. The Pest This PowerPoint has been developed from information gained on the http://www.disciplinehelp.com/ website. It contains excellent advice on dealing with over 117 ways students find to divert teacher management away from their primary concern of teaching and learning.

2. Behaviour: Specific attitudes and actions of this child at home and/or at school. Talks incessantly . . . or is deliberately silent. Asks questions at the wrong time and place. Doesn't listen . . . or hangs on every word. Often behind in work in comparison to the rest of the class. Sometimes stays after class or school and won't leave. Very much aware of how others feel about him/her, and will even say that he/she is a pest. Will seek the attention of others at any price. It's better than being lonely. May be a whiner or complainer. Often picks a popular student or teacher to pester or hang around. Appears compulsive in this behavior. The Pest Has a hundred ways to seek attention, from harassing classmates to "hanging around" the teacher. This student isn't bad, just annoying. Usually lonely. Harasses members of the opposite sex. Commits only minor, disturbing infractions. Constantly "horse-playing"-trips others, teases classmates, makes smart remarks. Seeks attention ... or friendship. Minds everyone else's business. Touches other students and their personal belongings ... continually.

3. Effects: How behaviour affects teachers, classmates, and parents in the school learning environment and the home family situation. Classmates and teacher are annoyed. Entire class, as well as teacher, is distracted. Others, especially those of the opposite sex, prefer not to be around this student. Classmates react negatively. They don't want teacher to put down the pest, even though they don't like what the pest is doing. Others shy away from the pest-or avoid him/her outright. Classmates complain to teacher and request that something be done. Likewise, classmates‘ parents may complain about this child. The Pest

4. Action: Identify causes of misbehaviour. Pinpoint student needs being revealed. Employ specific methods, procedures, and techniques at school and at home for getting the child to modify or change his/her behaviour. AttentionThe pest may have little or no relationship at home, and a strong need for attention at school. Primary Needs Being Revealed SexualityThis person does not understand how to establish relationships with the opposite sex. Escape from PainThe loneliness of this person is very painful, and he/she will do almost anything to relieve that pain. Secondary Needs Being Revealed GregariousnessIn addition to a close friend, this student needs to belong to a group-any group. This may mean selecting a group that would "use" this person. AffiliationThe student needs to have one close friend and, many times, his/her choice is the teacher. The Pest

5. The Pest • More Action: • Identify causes of misbehaviour. Pinpoint student needs being revealed. Employ specific methods, procedures, and techniques at school and at home for getting the child to modify or change his/her behaviour. Seat the pest near a serious student at the front of the classroom-never in the rear of the room. If this student is ignored or isolated, his/her behavior may turn obnoxious. Therefore, ignoring the student and Urging classmates to do the same may result in Behavioral problems. Develop a close relationship with the pest. In private conference, don't dwell on what the student is doing-the student knows. Rather, give suggestions for changing the ways he/she tries to relate to others. Give this student class responsibilities and include him/her in activities to provide a feeling of being needed and important. Exclusion magnifies the problem; Involvement helps eliminate the behavior. Don't forget, this student may "cling" to you for a time. After all, you may be his/her only friend. However, involvement will bring confidence, and it won't be long until this student finds a friend his/her own age. Even here, a teacher can give a gentle nudge. In the meantime, don't force this student to be a pest to get attention. Don't reprimand, reveal irritation, or treat this behavior as a discipline problem. These approaches will not prove effective. Remember, the pest knows how others feel. But his/her behavior is impulsive. Attention at any price is better than feeling lonely. This student needs attention, affection, and a friend. Therefore, focus your efforts on showing him/her how to get these things in acceptable ways.

6. More Action The Pest Initiate conversations with this student, and never let classmates think you regard him/her as a pest. If you do, they will emulate your behavior and a real problem can develop. Likewise, do not ever call this student a pest. Overlook some of this student's behavior; doing so causes less distraction. Give this student lots of attention, especially when the behavior is positive and appropriate to the situation. Be on the student's side. You'll realize when you talk to this student that he/she is aware of being a pest and doesn't want to be one. Tell the student you'll give a signal (nod, etc.) when he/she is "distracting others,“ instead of embarrassing the student in front of the class. Make it clear that, although you're willing to help the student meet his/her responsibility to self, you also have a responsibility to the rest of the class. Contact parents.

7. The Pest Teacher Mistakes: Common misjudgments and errors in managing the child which may perpetuate or intensify the problem. • Ignoring the pest, and urging students having problems with the pest to do the same. • Being too loud or harsh with this student. • Punishing for insignificant acts. • Failing to show patience. • Overreacting to what this student does. • Acting as if this student should be disliked. • Making fun of the student. • Trying to get rid of this student by urging him/her to leave or by saying, "I have a meeting." • Being sarcastic. • Disliking this student.