Do any of you have a problem with students talking during class or listening to you when you are talking to them? (with older kids, 11-12yr olds)
I feel like I have to repeat everything 20 times a class!!! I've tried giving them conditioning when they talk or having them sit out. Then they just get mad and get an attitude. AAAAAAAHHHH !!!!!

argh im angry! i wrote a major long post out for you, then my comp crashed-its always the way isnt it! ok well ill just write a shortened version 4 u ok?

i know how you feel! i have a low standard group of about the same age, but they really dont even want to be doing gymnastics! they only do it cuz their frends/sisters do it, or cuz their parents want them to.

i know its hard cuz we are used to a higher level of discipline, but try not to have a go at them every time they open their mouths. Make an effort to ignore the little things, and to be nice to them when they are being good. Also at the start of the sessions you could polityely ask them if they will behave today for you? (might work you never know.....!!!)

i have a fantastic idea that works like magic with my kids most the time but urs may be a little old?? u can probably change it a little though! what i do is i always carry a pack of star stickers with me, and at the end of the class i give the gymnast who has worked hardest/behaved the best/done a new move etc a sticker...it really motivates them! maybe u could give them a teddy/trophey that they keep for a week, or perhaps they could wear the special hair scrunchie in the next class?

when your talking to them try and varie it a little-maybe use diagrams, and varie ur voice (dont talk monotone haha!!) and get gymnasts (or even you!) to do demonstrations! if you sound interested then its more likely that theyll b interested in liostening!

try keeping log books/diarys. the gymnasts can record what moves/conditioning/routines etc they have done today, and you can give them a comment and a mark out of ten for effort/behavior. They can also see how they have imroved over time too!

good luck i hope this gives u some ideas!
tam xx

Thanks for the ideas! I will have to try some tomorrow.

U can try this that worked well with our 7-12 yr olds on that..

I made the older girls a big sister to a new student. I supervised her teaching the new girl. One say they came to me and said..They just dont listen to me! LOL and it made it very clear to them how important listening and such really is. Their behavior improved!