A student breaks a common classroom rule like forgetting to raise their hand. No big deal. It happens. So you calmly give a warning. And Mount Vesuvius erupts. The student crosses their arms, glares at you, and yells, “But I didn’t do anything!” You … Read more
Many years ago I read The Adventures of Robin Hood aloud to my 5th grade class. One day in the middle of teaching an unrelated lesson a student yelled out “Hey, when are we gonna read Peter Pan?” It was funny. The entire class … Read more
Not much fires a teacher up more than a student talking back. It has a special way of getting under the skin because . . . It’s blatantly disrespectful. It typically happens in front of the class. It directly challenges your authority. How you … Read more
I’m not an expert in autism. Nor do I have a degree or teaching credential in special education. I write only from the perspective of a classroom teacher. This article is a response to the many questions we’ve received here at SCM about autistic … Read more
Here at SCM we love shortcuts. We love saving time, lowering stress, and simplifying everything so we can enjoy all that is fun and rewarding about teaching. We also love efficiency, clarity, and honesty. It’s this last one, honesty, that we’re going to talk … Read more
I’ve been writing here at SCM for 15 years. 748 articles. 12 books and e-guides. Above all else, this takes focus. Which, in this day and age, I have to protect like a rare orchid. Otherwise, I’ll lose the ability to shut out distraction … Read more
Here at SCM we talk a lot about the importance of letting your classroom management plan do the work of improving behavior for you. About how this approach . . . Saves time. Lowers stress. Builds rapport. Embodies fairness. Engenders trust. Inspires respect. It’s … Read more
Have you heard of pressure passes? They’re slips of red or yellow paper that allow difficult students to leave your classroom anytime they like. Yep, they just flash you the pass and then walk out. They’re all the rage among counselors and administrators, who … Read more