Allow me to let you in on a secret: There is a shocking difference between classrooms run by teachers with excellent classroom management and everyone else. Of course there is a difference, you knew that. But the sheer scale is what is so surprising. … Read more
Here at SCM, we’ve talked a lot about the Law of Reciprocity and its remarkable power to influence student behavior. But we haven’t talked about what it looks like in practice. How exactly do you do it? What do you say? How do you … Read more
Now that many schools are open for in-person learning, teachers are finding it difficult to build rapport. Social distancing and plexiglass partitions are barrier enough to the connections needed to motivate, inspire, and communicate with students effectively. But it’s mask wearing that takes the … Read more
Many school districts are racing to remove student accountability. Time-out is being outlawed. Suspensions are becoming a no-no. And rules are now mere suggestions and open to wide interpretation. The result, of course, is a worsening of behavior. Remove accountability and bullying, rudeness, disrespect, … Read more
Time-out is a symbolic as well as physical separation from the class students enjoy being part of. This is key. Because if a misbehaving student doesn’t feel like they’re missing something, if they don’t care whether they’re in time-out or not, then it won’t … Read more
Trapped and muted. Dreams shattered into pieces. Forced inside and away from the friendships that mean so much to them and the school that centers their life. Our students are hurting. So what do you say to them? How do you ease their pain? … Read more
If you’re teaching online, then you know that classroom management is now a lot easier. Distance learning may not be good for academic progress, or mental and physical health, but it’s virtually eliminated misbehavior. It’s kept students from disrupting, interrupting, or ruining your lessons. … Read more
Mounting research indicates a sharp increase in mental health issues among students since the pandemic began. This includes soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. As teachers, we’re in position to help stem the tide. And there is a lot we can do. In … Read more