Teach ESL to Kids

Punishing the whole class for the actions of one student can be a very effective discipline technique in the classroom, but it doesn't work for all classes. If done in the right setting, it pushes the children to take responsibility for discipline in the classroom. They will be less amused by one student acting as the "class clown" if they know that they all might be punished for it.

This technique is probably not a good choice for very young students or for students who have little English ability. They simply cannot understand why they are being punished if they didn't do anything wrong.

But it can work quite well in classes with older students. I have used it effectively in classes where the students were over 8 years old.

Be prepared, however, to deal with the emotions of the students who didn't do anything wrong. For example, I teach music class daily to many classes combined...about 60 students total. There have been a few days when many students are talking and not paying attention, so I have simply stopped music class, explained to the class that I am not going to teach anymore because many students are not ready to learn. I pack up my things and leave. This always shocks them and I have one little girl who starts crying. She is very sensitive to other's emotions. I always make sure that I pick her up and carry her to the classroom, giving her lots of hugs and kisses and letting her know that I think she is a very good girl (because she is!).

In short, it really depends on the classroom situation that you have. Only you know the real answer to whether you should punish the whole class for the actions of one student. If you think that it might be effective, go ahead and give it a try.

Hope this helps!

Love,
Shannon Sensei