Turning the Class Clown into a Class Leader

That kids got jokes! He thinks he is so funny! The students love him! He's a role model like it or not. 

I've had a few of these in the past and I have just stumbled upon an effective way to deal with it. It may not work for all, or for long, but right now it is a magical thing to see.  In the past clipping down, walking laps, modified seating has been my way to deal with this child. But when this becomes the norm for that student, it is no longer effective. 

Often this behavior stems from problems at home, such as being a caretaker or scapegoat due to parent behavior. Whatever the reason, the class clown craves attention and approval. If your class clown seems to be acting out to be the center of attention, why not give him/her what she wants? The kids already think he/she is great, mold them into the role model you need them to be. 

First, find the students strengths, and work with them. If they are good at math, have them become a math tutor to some struggling students. If they keep their area organized, then assign an area or two of the classroom to keep up with. 

Second, encourage them! When they take on this new role and execute it well, remember to encourage them. A high 5 or a pat on the back will  probably be right up this students alley!

Don't take negative comments personally. This is the child's attempt at directing attention to him/herself and does not truly reflect your character. Instead of giving the student the attention they are seeking at that moment, quietly approach the student to address the disrespectfulness of disrupting the lesson and the consequences, and quickly move on.  Pay no attention to the negative comments.  

Finally, allow them to be themselves but teach them when the time is right, which is certainly not during instruction or group work. 

I'm fortunate that my last class clown was a bright, young fella this year. I tried moving his desk away from being at the far end of the room to the one closest to my desk. He was my right hand man. Once his work was complete, I could put him on a task like charging iPads or putting mail in student boxes. When I let him hand out papers or things to students, this was his time to cut up a little bit. 

My students still loved him, and I do too!