When I began this blog more than six years ago, I made a commitment to telling the whole truth about classroom management. The good and bad. The harmful and transformational. What really works and what doesn’t. Along the way we’ve dispelled myths, exposed misconceptions, … Read more
Maybe it’s the way they interrupt you. Maybe it’s their disrespectful tone. Maybe it’s their silliness or side-talking or affinity for misbehaving at the worst possible time. Whatever it is, it bugs you. It gets under your skin. It prompts an internal dialogue you’re … Read more
You praise. You encourage. You pep-talk, demand, and implore. But nothing seems to change. Trying and failing to motivate unmotivated students is a common frustration among teachers. It’s a frustration with seemingly no real answers beyond the same old, same old. Until today. Because … Read more
There is nothing wrong with a class clown. In fact, students gifted with a clever sense of humor can be a wonderful asset to your classroom. They can be another ingredient in the mix that helps you create a learning environment students love being … Read more
Here at Smart Classroom Management we hear from teachers and administrators from all four corners of the globe. And one of the more perplexing trends in classroom management is to give students choices instead of consequences. For example: Let’s say a student named Jason … Read more
Like most caring teachers, it’s only natural to be drawn to a crying child. It’s only natural to kneel down, put a hand on their shoulder, and try to get to the bottom of why they’re upset. It’s only natural to want to make … Read more
While observing your class gather materials for a science experiment, you notice a student kicking the heels of the boy in front of them. But because you’re in the good habit of letting misbehavior play out, you decide to watch a bit longer before … Read more
A student points their finger inches from your face and teasingly says, “I’m mad at you. That homework last night was hard!” Or . . . A student raises their hand and commands you to “Tell John to stop bothering me.” In either case … Read more