With a single statement, spoken at the beginning of the day or class period, you can send a wave of calmness throughout your classroom. It takes just a few seconds, but you’ll see, and even feel, the difference immediately. You’ll also notice a greater … Read more
Many, many teachers are in the habit of looking the other way when the top 10% of their class break a rule. It’s understandable, and certainly easy to justify. After all, the misbehavior is nearly always an accident, like quietly asking a question but … Read more
In David Epstein’s recent book Range, he makes the case that most breakthroughs in science, art, technology, medicine, music, and sports come from those with a wide range of interests and abilities. For example, Nobel laureates in science are 22 times more likely than … Read more
There is statement I hear again and again from teachers struggling with classroom management. It’s often used as a reason for not holding students strictly accountable or justification for the chaos they’re experiencing. In reality, however, it reveals a profound misunderstanding of effective classroom … Read more
A positive, trusting relationship with students is a core principle of SCM. After all, it’s the most important factor in creating a classroom they want to be part of. Which, in turn, inspires intrinsic motivation, models patience and kindness, and makes your consequences matter … Read more
When I was a new teacher, I got wind of a “stellar” teacher who taught at a nearby school. He and I were at the same grade level, so one afternoon I swung by to check out his classroom. His room was immaculate and … Read more
We’re all aware of the many health benefits of exercise, which include improvements in: cardiovascular fitness. blood pressure. muscular strength. weight management. bone density. blood sugar and insulin levels. mental health. sleep quality. physical appearance. biological age. But exercise can also make you a … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of SCM, and therefore a keen observer of your class, a drop in a student’s grades, performance, and behavior becomes quickly noticeable. We’re used to this, of course. All students have ups and downs over a long school year. … Read more