An assembly is a time for learning, entertainment, or both. Students need to know how to behave in an assembly just as in any other school activity. Unless students are taught how to behave, they will be inattentive or disrespectful of speakers, players, or performers. They need to be taught how to sit while at an assembly, in seats or on floor, how to clap or respond only when appropriate, and do these respectfully without being disruptive or talking.
Determine Where Students Should Sit
Find out ahead of time where your class is expected to sit during the assembly. Check out the location and sitting arrangements for your students. You do not want to be leading your students blindly as you look for your designated area. Make sure and practice how they are to enter and how they should behave while in the assembly. For example, "Walk down the entire row and sit in line until we need to start a new row." Practice this behavior with your students until they can do it without flaw. It is equally as important for them to practice sitting and listening and practice applauding appropriately. Keep practicing until they understand your expectations.
Other Ideas to Think About
- Let students know your are monitoring their behavior. You may not be able to give verbal feedback during the assembly, but you can still stay on top of behavior by letting students know you are watching and then if they look use your "withit" look to get them to stop. Remind them that our classroom "contract" always applies where ever they are.
- Have noncompliant students sit by you. Keep the students who may have trouble during an assembly as close to you as possible so it is easier for you to help them act appropriately.
- Give a class reward for positive behavior if it seems needed. Tell students that you will be looking for appropriate behavior during the assembly and that you will be recording points for a class reward. You could also bring a clip board and give a reward to those students who did follow your practiced behaviors. Rewards can backfire so be careful with over using this strategy. Many students will stop working for rewards unless they have a strong relationship with you and care about not disappointing you.