Sometimes my classroom feels like it has a revolving door. Between the regular in and out of therapists, paraprofessionals, social workers, and case managers, there seems to also be a constant stream of novel visitors. Administrators, parents, consultants, principals, etc. are constantly in and out. For some reason, many of these visitors seem to have little awareness that you may in the middle of a lesson or that your students may be uncomfortable having unknown people all up in their business – I mean who wouldn’t be really. So here are some tips for (politely) dealing with visitors in your class:
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Greet them at the door.
If at all possible, greet them at the door and take a moment to talk to them quietly in the hallway outside your room. Be friendly and welcoming. But also remind them that your students are busy working so to please respect their space and move around your room quietly. Think Martha Stewart meets night club bouncer.
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Use the “Think Aloud” Method.
I am a big fan of the “think aloud” method when dealing with adults. If a visitor in your classroom is doing on my absolute pet peeves, like talking about students in front of them (argh) or interrupting students while working – I pull out this strategy. “Oh I don’t want to interrupt Johnny while he is working so let’s go talk over here.” I act like I’m about to make the mistake even though the visitor just made the misstep.
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Set the expectations at the start.
If you don’t have time to talk or answer questions, say that from the start and offer an option. Say nicely, “I am in the middle of a lesson but would be happy to chat via email or during my prep.”
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Know When to Say Enough.
It is your classroom. You are the mama duck. These are your babies. Be the protective teacher. You are going to be the one to deal with any behavioral issues that erupt from a major schedule disruption after the visitors leave. If you can see that students are overstimulated and visitors have potentially caused an issues – politely ask them to leave and come back another time. “Thank you so much for visiting our room. But it is really important that we get back to our schedule. Can we set up a time in the future for you to visit?”
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19 Responses
Put a sign on the door. “Available for visitors during 9:30 – 9:40 or 1:10 -1:15 or call and set up and appointment. Thanks!”
You think you have a revolving door in your classroom. My home has the same revolving door! I think you complain too much! You have a brain! If my child was in your class, I would hope you would be able to handle the door and stop complaining about a child that has to handle way more than you in dealing with their own challenges! Maybe you could start thinking about them first than rather what you have to handle!
Thank you Sasha for the tips! These even are very helpful in our homeschool program where we have lots of volunteers coming in and out 🙂
It’s unfortunate that this post offended you and I was in no way comparing obstacles in my job with the challenges that our children face. I was not complaining – I was offering solutions for a common occurrence in many classrooms that can cause disruptions to the students’ schedule. Decreasing disruptions is of primary importance for my students – not for me. Frequent visitors has caused unnecessary changes to our schedule and routine which can be upsetting.
Love that idea!!! Why haven’t I thought of that!?! 🙂
Thanks, Desiree! Hope all is well with you!
These are great! I have lots of different people that are in and out quite a bit too. I always want to be a gracious host but my students come first.
Will call you soon Sasha! Hope everything is ok with you and the little one…
Exactly! I love that people want to see what we do and what great things my students are doing but I have to make sure it’s done so in the right way 🙂
Great tips Sasha! I can not begin to tell you what a life saver you have been for not only myself but my students. Thank You!!!!
I feel the same way! So glad to know I’m not the only one! There was a point this year where I had to stop outside visitors from observing in order for us to focus on some significant behavioral issues with one student. This was hard because I love that my classroom has become such a great learning lab for others, but the kids in the room come first. Thank you for being honest about this struggle and creating a community for us to share ideas!
Thank you so much for saying that! That is so sweet! Have a great week 🙂
Exactly! I love showing off how hard my kids work and I love that people want to see what’s going on but it gets to a point where – enough its enough! Haha. Glad I’m not the only one 🙂
Thank you for saying this! Sometimes people just walk in like I am not doing anything and like you said, it is a disruption to my teaching as well as to the student(s) I am working with! I think people forget that students with special needs have harder times refocusing or with distractions. My pet peeve is when adults stand in the back of the room and talk loudly to each other while I am teaching or we are working quietly.
So you are correct that we do this for the student’s needs.
Omigosh yes that is so my pet peeve too! And they are usually talking about the students in the room as well!
Hi! I am struggling with behaviors within my classroom from my staff (nurses and aides). I have pretty much turned into a not so pleasant person when confronting them. I have one nurse who is loud and obnoxious especially when my students are working. He talks about inappropriate things and has side conversations when I’m teaching. How would you approach the situation? I have confronted him, laid out my expectations of how I want my classroom to be run but nothing seems to make him get it. When he sees something that bothers you, he will go out of his way to keep doing it. He’s become another student in my classroom I have to manage. Though it doesn’t sound it, he’s amazing as far as working with students and helping me with whatever I need. I’m torn. I don’t know what else to do.
I would approach administration about this asap! It sounds like you have done your best to handle it informally but I would try to get a formal write up if possible. Stress to your principal about how inappropriate and disruptive this is. So unacceptable! Sorry you are dealing with that!
How do you deal with administrators that constantly walk in the classroom (5-10 times some days) just to ask how you are doing, or who will be your parapro the next day or what students are taking a particular test that is 3 months away among other things that could be handled after school or through e-mail? I have locked my door in hopes they will knock and I can greet them, but they have started unlocking the door themselves now.
Great question! What about respectfully and politely asking if you can email them the answer? That’s a tricky situation!