This week we’re going to visit five classroom management tips all teachers can benefit from, new and veteran alike. But what makes these tips different than the usual fare is that they’re so often overlooked, ignored, or just plain forgotten. Sneak a peak into … Read more
Oh no, not again. At the worst possible moment, just as you’re homing in on your lesson objective, you notice a desperate hand waving at you from the edge your peripheral vision. Your first instinct is to ignore it and plow ahead, but then … Read more
Because we care. This is why it touches our heart to see our students upset or crestfallen. This is why when they bomb a math test or bury their head in their arms over another behavior regression, we seek to soften the blow. We … Read more
Side-talking can be especially frustrating because, although it’s done out of earshot, it’s remarkably disruptive. When your students turn their attention away from you and to a neighbor, they miss important instruction and learning time—which means you’ll either have to repeat yourself or reteach … Read more
It’s a common scene. The teacher stands in front of a large group of students with one arm extended skyward, fingers forming a number (two being most popular), while the other hand is closed but for the index finger poised over pursed lips. The … Read more
Because it’s one of the most effective and most powerful ways to influence behavior, having a natural, trusting rapport with your students is crucial. Rapport provides the good vibrations between you and your class that makes your classroom management plan matter. It gives your … Read more
It’s a common refrain. “With a student like Erik, you have to pick your battles.” “In my class this year, I’ve got to pick my battles.” “The best advice I could offer would be to . . . pick your battles.” The idea behind … Read more
Because I believe it’s a mistake to reward students for good behavior, I’m often asked, “So, then, the stickers, prizes, and such . . . should teachers refrain from giving them out at all?” Well, yes and no. Anything that whiffs of bribery should … Read more