It’s hard covering for an absent colleague this early in the academic year. New rules, new routines and a new computer-based reward system called ClassDojo can be confusing. It’s a job that calls for someone with organisational skills. Someone experienced in the art of classroom management. Someone who has his finger on the pulse of modern behavioural strategies and the wherewithal to promote a calm and efficient learning environment.
The first bout of unrest happened when a pink Post-it note, with the class registration log-in written on it, mysteriously went missing. It was eventually discovered in the staffroom, attached to the lid of my lunch box. I breathed a sigh of relief and, when everyone was electronically accounted for, set about establishing an orderly workplace. Activities were assigned, tasks explained and resources allocated. The conveyor belt of learning should by now have been running like a well-oiled machine.
Out of the blue
However, a minor management oversight led to a second and more serious bout of unrest. The trouble appeared to come out of the blue (and several other colours) when Liam tipped a pot of crayons over Daniel’s head. But initial reports confirmed that it was the result of a brief but bitter dispute arising from the aforementioned oversight.
My appeals for a process of arbitration and conciliation were initially refused. Liam downed pencil sharpener and went on an indefinite sit-in underneath his table, while Daniel staged an unofficial walkout. The entire class came out in sympathy with one side or the other, and the learning ground to a halt. Classroom relations were at their lowest ebb.
Even after Daniel was persuaded to return to class, Liam’s refusal to bring something to (or at least out from under) the table remained a sticking point in achieving a negotiated settlement. Circle time was convened and a key spokesperson for the learning force explained that the unrest had been caused by the management (me) ignoring agreed procedures in acceding to Liam’s request to sharpen crayons.
Task masters
The management had failed to act in accordance with the laminated list of roles and responsibilities stapled to the pupil bulletin board. After an extensive process involving job applications and interviews, all members of the learning force had been employed to undertake specific tasks. Daniel was Head of Crayon Maintenance. Liam was Paintbrush Cleansing Technician.
Unfortunately, when the question of sharpening crayons was posed, I had been distracted by Matilda. As IT Consultant, it was her task to instruct me in the application of ClassDojos. This is an incentive scheme to promote productivity and good behaviour. By clicking on virtual monsters, you can reward individuals and groups with points, or “dojos”.
After a long period of consultation, agreement was reached and classroom harmony restored. But peace came at a price. The cost turned out to be an initial cooling off period of 15 minutes extra playtime, followed by an above-inflation increase in dojos.
Steve Eddison teaches at Arbourthorne Community Primary in Sheffield
