There is a way to be more consistent that doesn’t require you to be more disciplined. It doesn’t take extra brain power. It isn’t stressful or hard to do. In fact, it’s easy and comes naturally if you do just one thing. So what … Read more
Most teachers respond to losing control too late. They wait until they can’t even get their class quiet and seated before making changes. But trying to gain control of an already out-of-control class is exceptionally difficult. It takes expert knowledge, skill, and a wholesale … Read more
Two things happen the third week of school that conspire to increase misbehavior. Some teachers never recover from it. The first is that the honeymoon ends. Students become more comfortable. Initial enthusiasm wanes. Self-motivation dissipates. They fall back into their old ways. The second … Read more
“What happens if students don’t care about consequences?” I get this question a lot. The short answer: Then your students will continue to misbehave. In other words, you have to make them care in order for your consequences to work. There is no way … Read more
Here at SCM, we’re asked a lot about how to teach compelling lessons that capture and keep student attention. Some believe it isn’t possible. —That social media has polluted hearts and minds so thoroughly that nothing can penetrate. It’s understandable to think this way, … Read more
In 2018, I wrote a similar article that included 14 questions. It resonated with a lot of teachers because it helped prepare them for the best year of teaching they’d ever had. Other than a few tweaks, I’ve left most of the original questions … Read more
So a student tests you on the first day of school. They laugh while you’re teaching your classroom management plan. They pull out their phone right in front of you. They ignore you and goof off with their old friends. For many teachers, being … Read more
One question on every student’s mind the first day of school is whether or not their teacher is a pushover. It’s natural. They want to know what they can get away with, where the line is. And the answer comes easily. They just need … Read more