The Smart Classroom Management approach works. It works for elementary school teachers. It works for middle and high school teachers. It works for new teachers and veterans alike. It works regardless of where you teach, who your students are, or whether or not you … Read more
The title of this article comes straight from a reader’s question. It assumes that taking responsibility is something that you, the teacher, must secure from the misbehaving student. It assumes that it’s something the student must verbalize to you. It isn’t. In fact, if … Read more
In the past, I’ve written about the importance of starting over from scratch when you feel yourself losing control of your class. But what if you can’t even get your students’ attention? What if they act as if you don’t exist? What if you … Read more
Almost every teacher does it. But is it effective? Is it effective to stop your lesson and wait on students who are talking? Well, yes and no. While it’s true that the strategy can help get wayward students back on track, it does little … Read more
During transitions, it’s common to focus on moving your students from one thing to the next as quickly and painlessly as possible. But in doing so, you pass up an opportunity to ensure that that next thing goes according to plan. You pass up … Read more
“Why do we have to raise our hand?” “Why can’t we talk while we’re working?” “Why do we have to walk in line?” The questions may be different, but they’re all meant to challenge your methods. They’re meant to challenge your decisions, your motives, … Read more
While coaching teachers this time of year, I find myself repeating the same phrase again and again: “You’re going to lay everything out for your students ahead of time.” What I mean by this is that the teacher is going to remove all uncertainty … Read more
Trust is an often-overlooked aspect of effective classroom management. But it’s critically important. It’s important because when your students trust you—really trust you—everything is easier. And when they don’t? Well, nothing works as it should. Listening, attentiveness, motivation, work habits, respect, behavior . . … Read more