“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
Visualization is a powerful tool that can improve your classroom management. And now is the perfect time. Summer break allows you to reflect on the previous school year with fresh eyes and an unclouded look to the future. Journaling and diagraming can help. But … Read more
After you’ve taught, modeled, and practiced your classroom management plan the first week of school, there is a strategy that locks it in place for your students. It takes timing and keen observation. But it’s extremely powerful. Because it sends the message to your … Read more
I started SCM in 2009. Since then I’ve heard every possible reason why you can’t be good at classroom management. Although some circumstances are more challenging than others, none hold water. The truth is, you can have the class you want. I’ve done it … Read more