Drive for calm

The way you drive the bus will affect rider behavior. Braking hard at intersections and stop signs creates an atmosphere of raucous behavior. Compare the behavior of kids riding a roller coaster versus a row boat. Try to anticipate stop lights. If the light is red or likely to turn red before you get there, let off the accelerator and coast, braking lightly for a smooth even stop. Don’t exceed the speed limit, ever. If you are running late, so be it.

Follow the leader

Keep the bus clean. If the bus is clean everyday then the kids will help keep it that way. If it is untidy, they will help keep it that way. It’s all about setting a good example and establishing expectations. If the bus is clean, kids tend to locate the trash container to deposit candy wrappers or waste paper. If the bus is untidy, those same kids will just throw it on the floor. They figure it won’t be noticed anyway so what the heck.

The same thing is true for yelling. I know sometimes that is the only way to get their attention while the bus is in motion but it sets a bad example for their voice tone and volume. If possible wait and catch a person as they leave the bus and talk to them personally. The result will be less defensiveness and embarrassment which generally produces a more desirable response. Learn to communicate with eye contact, hand signals and head nods utilizing the mirror while the bus is in motion.

Learn to gain their respect

Learn to smile if it doesn’t come naturally. A smile is one of the most universally disarming gestures that is effective just about all the time. Who knows, the students might even learn to smile back or heaven forbid to even smile first.

Learn their names. Everyone likes to be recognized and called by name. It makes them feel special and important. You might consider maintaining a list of first names only, to help in recalling names. It is worth the effort. As they get on the bus say ‘good morning’ or ‘hey’. Anything to verify that you know they are there. It goes toward recognition and it also goes toward accountability. As they get off the bus say ‘see you’ or ‘bye’ or ‘adios’. Younger kids love nicknames. Make it a good nickname, not derogatory. I had one little boy whose name I kept forgetting and having grown embarrassed for asking his name so many times, I just gave him a nickname that even I could remember. He was so pleased.

So, you want to drive a school bus.

As some of us know, there is a lot more to driving a school bus than passing the driving test to obtain the requisite license. It is no small task to maintain student decorum while driving a school bus. Unfortunately not all students have been taught by their mommies and daddies how to behave properly. Now it’s your job. In fact, until the students are trained to behave in an appropriate manner, bad behavior can jeopardize the safety of all of the passengers on the bus.

Everyone has their own methods to accomplish this multi-tasking. A few, mostly experienced drivers, have mastered the art. Most of the rest of us can use a helpful hint or friendly reminder from time to time. A lot of what is suggested here you already know. It may be just a matter refreshing your memory. You have heard the old adage, he or she has forgotten more than most people will ever know. Well there is another old adage that is just as true, you are never too old to learn, or in this case, relearn.

There is a common thread that will run through this topic. That thread is respect. It is a two way street. I hear a lot about disrespect from drivers complaining about the students. But we sometimes need to be reminded that it works both ways. Students want to be respected, too. Respect is an emotion that is hard to survive without reciprocity. It is very difficult to respect someone who doesn’t respect you.