To me, it sounds like there is not a behavior management plan in place. I suggest going over the class rules and expectations again and start giving consequences! If the students know that there are no consequences for not working, why would they work? If they are blatantly not listening, I would start informing parents and administration. They need to understand that classwork in non-negotiable.

I would lean into the student having leaderships skills. I would meet with the student privately and discuss a classroom role he can have involved in rewarding positive behavior. Like coming to the teacher if he notices someone puts in exceptional behavior. there would have to be ground rules to avoid him having favoritism. It really depends on the individual student, so it is hard to make conclusions based solely on this information.

I would lean into the student having leaderships skills. I would meet with the student privately and discuss a classroom role he can have involved in rewarding positive behavior. Like coming to the teacher if he notices someone puts in exceptional behavior. there would have to be ground rules to avoid him having favoritism. It really depends on the individual student, so it is hard to make conclusions based solely on this information.

As frightening as it may seem, I think your best bet is to take this issue up directly with the student. After fairly reviewing the explicit expectations you have, if they choose not to participate, give them the consequence. Think ahead so that your consequence is effective. For example, if that child's parents do not care about their education, don't have a phone call home be the consequence. Or, if that child is friends with the teacher who runs lunch detention, do not make that the consequence. Choose a consequence that will- morally and ethically- sting a little. Once you have made it clear that you are the highest authority in your classroom, the other students should follow suite!

I would suggest creating a checklist and taking down the names of students who do not follow directions. The teacher should make eye contact with the ringleader of the class first and inform the student that if they choose not to do their work assigned, then they choose to have their name written down for a parent teacher conference. Focus on one student at a time as you gradually write names down. This will send the message to students that you are serious. Remind students that they are responsible for any incomplete work, and you do not mind giving zeros or assigning homework to students who do not complete their work. This quick response allows students to think about their behavior and self-reflect on the outcomes for their decisions. Students will less likely act out if they know what they are responsible for, and all students should be held accountable for their own work.

I would spend a whole day or part of a day on classroom manament and expected behaviors. Really go over what the rules are and have them clearly posted and the consequences for not following such rules, such as lessened recess, note home, etc. This may not be the best solution, but calling the student out indirectly such as stating because of this behviaor from students we wont have …….

This is a major problem in many classrooms. I would say the best way to go about it is to make sure that the students know who is in charge and who has the power of authority in the classroom. The students act a certain way because they know that you do not hold all the power in the classroom but you are in a power struggle with the ringleader. Resetting who is in charge is what matters

I think in this situation if this behavior has been repeatedly occurring after redirecting the student multiple times, the best idea would be to take the problem to the administration. You could see how the class behaves if the "ringleader" student is taken out of the classroom for a period of time. Sometimes in situations like this, there is not much that can be done without getting the administration and/or parents involved. There are many other kids that need your attention and you can not spend all day worrying about one student and how their behavior affects the rest of the class.

Something seems to be wrong with the classroom management structure. Why is that student even able to begin a debate about an assignment that will sway the class? I'd need to revisit the drawing-board, and try to implement a whole new management plan. First ensure students know when they are supposed to talk, what the expectations are for assignments, and finally what the consequences are for those who don't follow the rules.

I think I would have a conversation with that student. Explain that they are a natural leader and the importance of being a positive influence to those who look to him.

I suggest speaking to the student about it and setting limits. You could give the student smaller responsibilities and make sure he follows those.

I will make this child my personal class assistant, and I will give him/her jobs to make him/her feel important and a contributor to the class, and if he/she feels important he/she will help you control the class. I know this can work because I was that child.

I would pull the child aside and ask him what is going on. Why he feels the need to act out in class? I would explain to him that he is not doing himself or any of his classmates any good by behaving that way. I would make it clear that I will not tolerate his behavior and if he continues then I will be reaching out to his parents.

I would remind the students of the classroom rules and expectation and start reminding and if needed giving out the appropriate and fair consciences to these rules and disruptions. It could also be useful to move students around and change classroom dynamics a bit. You need to remind students that the teacher is the authority in class not the singular student.

In my classroom management course, I was told to always give the consequences to the ringleader of the group first, always. Make them visible to the others so that the followers will not want to repeat the behavior because then they will end up like the ringleader.