The number one problem for most drivers is discipline. There are provisions in the district policy for removal of excessively troublesome students, but if there is to be a good relationship between you and your passengers, you will have to build it for yourself.
There are people who just seem to be born with the ability to handle children, but you can learn to handle children just as you can learn to drive.
What is good discipline? The following was agreed upon by most drivers and school administrators as a reasonable definition of an orderly bus:
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Nothing happens that takes the driver's attention from his/her driving.
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Children talk to seat-mates, but with no one further away. The level of conversation is such that no individual voices stand out.
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Children face forward at all times.
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No conversations with one child turned around.
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No feet in the aisle.
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No student moving around while the bus is in motion, except under the direction of the bus driver or other school administrators.
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No horse-play such as: cap snatching, teasing, jabbing, hitting or pinching.
The first day is the most important of all. This is when children learn what you expect of them and you set the pattern for the whole year. Don't worry about whether the children like you. New drivers often fail because they are afraid they will not be liked if they are too strict. The truth is exactly the opposite. All discipline studies have shown that the best liked drivers are those who set reasonable rules and enforce them.
Tips To Maintain Passenger Discipline:
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Never give an order you do not mean to enforce.
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Enforce assigned seats on your bus. This will not only help with discipline, but it will assist you in solving vandalism problems.
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Give a command to stimulate action, not to check it. Say, "do this" rather than "don't do this."
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Do not allow indecent language or name calling.
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Do not allow eating or drinking.
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Have students get on and off the bus in an unhurried fashion.
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Children take pride in the appearance of their bus, so keep it clean to ensure your command can be successfully obeyed.
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Have a reason for what you ask passengers to do. When possible, take time to give the reason. They can see the point if you can.
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Be fair and consistent. It's not punishment but injustice that makes a child rebel against you. What is a rule today is a rule tomorrow.
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Be friendly. Commend good qualities and action. Always show an interest in your passengers' activities.
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A stern, firm tone is much better than a screaming one.
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Never strike a passenger! If another passenger's safety is at stake, use minimum force required for the situation.
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Do not take out personal feelings or prejudices on your passengers.
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Maintain poise at all times. Do not lose your temper.
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Do not pick on every little thing a passenger does. Do not place yourself on the level of a child by arguing with a child.
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Remember "the tongue is the only keen-edged tool that grows sharper with constant use." Do not nag, bluff, be bossy or sarcastic.
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Be honest in what is said. A child's faith in the driver is a great help. When you feel irritable, you must remain friendly to passengers.
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Try being constructive, not repressive, in all dealings with children. A sense of humor is extremely valuable.
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Never hold a child up to public ridicule. It is the surest way of creating a discipline problem.
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When possible, always deal with a discipline problem individually. Try not to put the student in a situation where he is trying to save face with other students. Try to follow up on all discipline cases. Be certain that you still have the respect and confidence of the passengers.
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Peer pressure is the main cause of student misbehavior on the bus. Do not embarrass a student . . . not even in a playful or joking manner. A compliment is more valuable than gold to the school-aged child - especially in front of peers.
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Be careful not to adopt favorites. Having favorites will reverse all the good you can build. Firm - friendly - fair - factual is a good rule.
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Treat each child like he or she is your own child!
The best control and discipline are of a preventive nature. Good relationships (on a business-like basis) can prevent many problems. Children need to know their limits and should be able to expect these to be enforced consistently and fairly within a framework of respect and concern. Let someone know when they are breaking a regulation or are making too much noise, etc. You will have to use good judgment in just how to handle the situation. Do not get physical with anyone; although, in some situations, you may need to break up a fight between elementary or junior high students. Work with your principal on any discipline problems you have. Principals have the authority to impose the necessary punishment. You should never impose any kind of punishment.
You will find that getting involved and kidding children will come back to haunt you. A good, healthy, happy relationship should be established, but making nicknames, teasing or laughing at a child will create unexpected problems. A child should be called by his/her regular name. Demonstrate respect and sensitivity toward your passengers. Never embarrass a child in front of their peers. In short, treat children like you want your brothers, sisters and children to be treated.
The Bus Driver Should Not Dismiss a Student off the Bus along the Route for Misbehavior.
In the event of a disturbance on the bus while the bus is in motion, the bus driver should stop the bus and restore order. If the bus driver is not able to restore order, he/she should immediately radio the Transportation Department or contact the school principal or designee and request assistance. It also may be necessary for the driver to turn the bus around and return to school in order to obtain the needed assistance.
REMINDER: YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO SET THE TONE FOR THE CHILD'S ENTIRE DAY. MAKE IT A POSITIVE ONE