When a difficult student has a good day it’s normal to want to reward them for it. You’ve just witnessed behavior you’ve been hoping and praying for all year, and you want to seize the moment. You want to make it special and memorable. … Read more
Following directions doesn’t improve by harping on it. It doesn’t improve by making a fuss about it or showing your frustration over it. And it doesn’t improve by pointing out to students how often or how poorly they’ve messed it up. The only surefire … Read more
So you teach this great lesson. Your students are really into it. They’re listening and participating. Their eyes are bright and inquisitive. They pass all your checks for understanding with flying colors. But as soon as you finish and give the signal for them … Read more
A warning is a courtesy you provide your students. It’s a declaration of free grace you offer by letting them know that you are aware a rule has been broken. But that no real consequence is forthcoming. It’s a consequence only in the sense … Read more
We’ve had a wonderful year at Smart Classroom Management, and we thank you for being part of it! Because of your loyal readership and generous sharing of our website, we’ve grown to over 33,000 subscribers and 100,000 visitors per month. We’re thrilled to be … Read more
So you have this student who seems determined to ruin your school year. He (or she) is blatantly disrespectful. He makes fun of and laughs at other students. He’s rude and silly. He’s argumentative and attention-seeking. He is well known by every staff member … Read more
There exists an amazing strategy that will dramatically increase student interest, motivation, and comprehension in virtually whatever you’re studying. It’s so remarkable, in fact, that it will pull your students deeper into your topic than any other single strategy. It will cause them to … Read more
Many difficult students behave the way they do because they’ve experienced—and often continue to experience—emotional turmoil associated with a deplorable home life. Verbal and physical abuse, poverty, neglect, drug and alcohol use in the home, and other sources of emotional pain and trauma can … Read more