A student comes to you and begs for a second chance. They swear that from now on things will be different. They just need you to fix this one little grade, ignore their latest wee misbehavior, let them redo the test, essay, or project. … Read more
A problem with education today is that many (many) teachers make their lessons too complex. The result is that students become . . . Bored Disengaged Unmotivated Antsy Disobedient Again and again, I observe teachers taking basic concepts and twisting them into medieval labyrinths … Read more
Small things can make a big difference. Tweaks here and there. Changes in perspective, in temperament. Fine-tuning the dial to a clearer, cleaner signal. Improved classroom management doesn’t have to be hard. If it feels hard, if you’re straining and striving but reaping little … Read more
Hello Awesome SCM Readers, On behalf of the team here at SCM, I want to say thank you! Without your support sharing our articles with your friends, colleagues, and followers we wouldn’t still be here 14 years later. Your loyalty allows us to continue … Read more
As part of my personal coaching practice I speak to a lot of teachers. And although many of the classroom management struggles they need help with are diverse and unique to them, there are commonalities. One such commonality is something they’re almost always unaware … Read more
Classroom management has always taken a backseat. Now it’s sitting in the trunk. Since the (official) end of the pandemic, behavior standards have fallen down a mine shaft and have yet to hit bottom. It’s maddening. In recent articles, I’ve covered why this is … Read more
There is a classroom management strategy called “the five questions” that a number of school districts have adopted. I’ve been asked about it several times recently so thought I should cover it. The way it works is that when a student misbehaves and breaks … Read more
The lowly fist bump, offered as students file out of your classroom, is arguably the easiest way to build rapport. It’s also super effective. Here’s why: It cleans the slate. No matter what happens during class, no matter how strongly you challenge your students … Read more