Allowing students to come up with the class rules is a common strategy. And at first glance, it appears to be a good one. But dig deeper into the whys and hows of effective classroom management, and you’ll discover it to be a mistake. … Read more
Every strategy we recommend here at Smart Classroom Management falls under the heading of one of four core principles. These principles, or cornerstones, form the heart of what we believe to be the solution to the scores of behavior-related challenges facing teachers today. From … Read more
It’s an all too common compulsion among teachers. Upon noticing a class routine going off the rails, they immediately jump in to try and correct it. They remind. They warn. They attempt to squelch the problem before it gets out of hand. It makes … Read more
One of the reasons difficult students misbehave is because their teacher expects that they will. They assume they will. Which causes the teacher to behave in such a way that antagonizes the student and reinforces their bad behavior. To combat this phenomenon, you must … Read more
If not reminded, and reminded often, your students will naturally slip into believing that school is just something they’re supposed to do. They never consider that school doesn’t need them, individually anyway, but that they need school. So many students approach their education as … Read more
One of the keys to handling difficult students is to hold them accountable for every rule violation, from the first day of school onward. Because if you don’t, you’ll be at their mercy. You’ll have to appease them, lower your standards, and give in … Read more
One of the great things about teaching is that every year is a fresh start. Every year allows you to wipe the slate clean, reinvent yourself, and become a better, more effective teacher. Summer provides an opportunity to push the reset button, to reflect … Read more
Teachers who struggle with classroom management tend to head into the start of every school year with a wait and see approach. Sure, they may have an idea of how they want to manage their classroom. They may have strategies they’ve leaned on in … Read more