Okay, so there is a strategy I’ve been using every first day of school that I can remember. I’ve never written about it. But lately I’ve been sharing it with my coaching clients. It seems to resonate with them. As I explain it, I … Read more
If you don’t know exactly what does and doesn’t constitute breaking your class rules—with zero gray area—then you can’t be consistent. You also can’t be trustworthy or manage your classroom effectively. Just the way it is. Luckily, there is something you can do this … Read more
Word on the street is that many teachers are surprised by the misbehavior they’re seeing now that more and more students are returning to school. They shouldn’t be. After all, the students you saw online aren’t the same ones you’re seeing in person. Oh, … Read more
Hit the ground running. Send a message to your new class about what’s expected right from the get-go. The quicker you set a culture of kindness, respect, and high-bar work expectations, the easier it will be to maintain. So during that first hour of … Read more
“Hey, no talking during the lesson.” “I said to walk!” “Stop pushing in line.” No, these aren’t the type of reminders I’m referring to. In fact, they’re examples of what you should never do—first week of school or not—because they’re reminders given after misbehavior … Read more
If you have one or more difficult students in your class this year, then the first week of school is especially important. You have one chance to set them on the right track from the beginning. —Which is far easier than trying to coax … Read more
I’m often asked about the first day of school, so I’ve written many articles on the topic. Most are about establishing routines and implementing an effective classroom management plan—which are important, to be sure. But they’re not my number one goal on the first … Read more
The first two weeks of the school year is the honeymoon period. Students are eager and wanting to please. They’re bright and happy and on their best behavior. They take seriously your teaching of rules and consequences, and it shows. Which is wonderful, of … Read more