Dealing with Children
March 9, 1992
Mark J. Norton
Teaching a regular class to children has caused me to consider how to control a class
of students with limited attention span, excessive energy, and very limited self-control.
When I started the class, Iwas of the opinion that a well planned class was required. This has worked out well for the most part. I write down what I will teach
for each class ahead of time and make estimates of time spent on each activity.
This serves a reminder to bring any needed equipment, and frees me of the need to
think of what to do next in class. In terms of control, this has also worked out well for
the majority of the students, also. Each element of the class (stretching, rolling,
practice, game and wind-down) is designed to capture the student's interest and move
on before becoming bored.
It is unfortunately the case, however, that this approach is inadequate for all students.
I have two or three kids who persist in fooling around, not paying attention, making
jokes, etc. While some of this kind of behavior is acceptable to me in young children, these student are being disruptive. They distract the other students
and instigate them to similar kinds of antics. One problem was two brothers who
commonly practiced together. The older one tends to dominate the younger, and both
get rather wild (wrestling, kicks, etc.). This was partially solved by splitting them
up. The older boy in fact should be in an older class, since he is nine.
Another problem, however, is not so easily solved. Sean has been distruptive
in class several times. I have spoken to him in class and in private in the locker
room. I have threatened him, to little avail. I could suspend him from the class, which would make the class easier to control and provide a better experience
for the rest of the class. On the other hand, it is students like Sean who could
really benefit from a Martial Art like Aikido. He needs some control in his life
(I don't think he gets it at home). He very active and quite fit. As such, the class could
be a good outlet for his energy.
I am resolved to let it ride for now. I will continue to try and modify his behavior,
and perhaps he will settle down somewhat. It may be that he would do better in an older
class, with more emphasis on control and technique. I will probably disallow him
from returning to the younger kids class if the course is offered again.