How you present yourself to your students matters. The way you dress, speak, and move has an impact on how they view you and thus how they behave in your class. Here at SCM, we’ve covered each of these areas in previous articles. But … Read more
Sagging pants are a problem in the classroom. They’re a problem because they bring an attitude of rebelliousness. You’ve seen it yourself. When a student sags their pants, they behave differently than when they don’t sag their pants. “But Michael, it’s an expression! It’s … Read more
This is my 700th article. Will there be a party here at SCM? A parade perhaps? Maybe a speech about me, me, and more me and all the people who made me who I am. Yay, aren’t I amazing! Oh, the horror. The truth … Read more
They seem happy around their classmates. They do their work. They follow directions. But it’s clear they don’t like you. You never get a smile. You rarely get eye contact. When you speak to them they return one-word answers or nothing at all. If … Read more
A culture of leniency has infected our schools from top to bottom, and it’s hurting everyone in its wake. Cheating and disrespect are rampant. Students repeatedly caught fighting are never expelled. Standards are so low it’s nearly impossible to fail. There is virtually zero … Read more
Kids are inclined to roughhouse. And they should be encouraged to do so. It’s good for them. It’s a healthy way to build relationships, release pent-up aggression, and lower stress levels. It’s good exercise and teaches limits and resiliency. According to research, it’s also … Read more
Setting aside your legal obligation to refer students to Child Protective Services if you suspect abuse or neglect, there are other instances where referral to your administrator, counselor, and psychologist are warranted. They’re warranted not just for the health and safety of the student … Read more
Although in the moment it doesn’t seem like a big deal, accepting less than what you ask of your students is a form of failure. It’s a lowering of standards that communicates that you don’t mean what you say. It tells students that they … Read more