There are many potential causes of teacher stress. Test scores, performance reviews, and administrative observations. Meetings, trainings, and other demands on your time. Parents and grading, planning and rainy days, and students far below grade level. All while juggling life outside of school. But … Read more
Sending students to a neighboring classroom for time-out is a popular strategy. It’s popular because it’s easy and the consequence feels substantial. The misbehaving student must pick up their things and exit the room. There is a finality to it. It carries the message … Read more
For the most part, it’s a misnomer. 99.9% of parents love their children. They may have a misguided way of showing it. They may not sign one bit of correspondence from the school. They may be uninvolved, negligent, or worse. They may be preoccupied … Read more
It happens, often without warning. A student becomes so angry they verge on losing control. They fume and seethe. They glare and tear up. They turn dark crimson. Sometimes we know the cause of their infuriation and other times we have no idea. The … Read more
Here at SCM we believe in bringing a spirit of fun to your classroom every day of the week. We believe in smiles and laughter, silly dances and funny accents. We believe in amusing stories, engaging activities, and enjoying students with no strings attached. … Read more
A friend emailed me this week to share a story about his son’s first week of school. Evidently some of his classmates were misbehaving, and in response the teacher kept the entire class in for recess. This isn’t an unusual strategy. We often hear … Read more
It’s a popular strategy. You notice two students talking and giggling during a lesson, for example. So you move into their field of vision and give them “the look.” You deliver the old evil eye. You communicate with your piercing stare and tight lips … Read more
They materialize in front of you, demanding your attention. They pull on your sleeve and tap on your arm. They barge into your personal space, interrupt you where you stand, and begin talking before you even have a chance to acknowledge them. They tattle. … Read more