So you’re cruising along having a good day and a student pokes you with a stick. “What you said isn’t true.” “Shelby didn’t deserve a consequence.” “My old teacher did it this way.“ Statements like these, spoken with attitude, are meant to goad you … Read more
Walk into any classroom anytime of day and chances are the class will be in the middle of a discussion. Led by the teacher, the dialogue will typically narrow to a predetermined conclusion. Sometimes an assignment will follow. Often, however, it will not. —Because … Read more
In this day and age, it’s easy to get distracted by what’s happening in the world. So many controversial issues and differing opinions. So much anger and vitriol. But for the sake of your students, it’s best to set it all aside the moment … Read more
If you’re currently struggling to manage group work, it’s already too late. You’ve missed the boat. There is nothing you can do to fix it unless you’re willing to go back to the beginning. No, I don’t mean to reteach it. I mean to … Read more
In sports, it is said that unless you’re getting better you’re getting worse. It’s true in education as well. Homeostasis doesn’t exist, nor should it ever be your goal. Your push for continual improvement keeps the intrinsic fires burning. It keeps misbehavior at bay … Read more
The strategy is counterintuitive and therefore doesn’t reach many teachers. When a class gets off track, the tendency is to talk. It’s to rehash, remind, and redo. It’s to circle-up the community, lecture and rebuke. And while you may see temporary improvement, it’s unlikely … Read more
In The Happy Teacher Habits, I covered several ways to leave work at a decent hour. This is important because it . . . Lowers stress. Makes the job more enjoyable. Frees you to enjoy your family and hobbies. Helps you avoid burnout. Gives … Read more
It’s not to teach your classroom management plan. With an out-of-control class, bringing up rules right away will fall on deaf ears. No, the first step after losing control or taking over an unruly class is to remove excitability. You see, in poorly behaved … Read more