Many teachers make the mistake of trying to talk their students through each moment of the school day. The idea being that if a teacher provides continual guidance–through reminding, cajoling, and micromanaging–then he or she will be more effective. It makes sense. But it … Read more
You notice it an hour or so into the school day. Your students are chatty and distracted. Their heads are on a swivel. They’re squirming in their seats. Only the most dedicated appear to be following along. What do you do? Do you plow … Read more
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~Thomas Jefferson Have you ever taught a lesson in another teacher’s classroom? In other words, have you ever taught students whose classroom behaviors, attitudes, and habits have been … Read more
It can be a nerve-racking experience. Without warning, a parent appears in front of you. He (or she) is angry and wants answers. Right now. Maybe he’s upset about a student picking on his son. Maybe he’s mad about how you handled his daughter’s … Read more
It is said that classroom management comes easy to a lucky few. That some teachers are naturals. They walk into a classroom and somehow, mysteriously, the students just know to be at their best. But here’s the thing. If you peek beneath the surface … Read more
Do you follow your classroom management plan yet still struggle with behavior? Do your students seem unfazed by your accountability measures? Do they return from time-out with a shrug, no more inclined to follow your rules than before? Then chances are you’re interfering with … Read more
For regular education classroom teachers, giving rewards in exchange for good behavior is a mistake. It’s true that “do this and get that” type rewards can improve behavior in the short term. As in, “Sit up straight and give me your attention, and I … Read more
Can you tell if you’re going to have a long behavior day within the first few minutes of the morning bell? Most teachers can. Dark clouds on the horizon will appear before your students even sit down. Maybe it’s in the way they enter … Read more