Of the many items on your first-day-of-school checklist, three promises should go at the very top. Because, together, they have the power to set a tone of kindness and good behavior that lasts for the entire school year. They also make you instantly likeable … Read more
Trust is an often-overlooked aspect of effective classroom management. But it’s critically important. It’s important because when your students trust you—really trust you—everything is easier. And when they don’t? Well, nothing works as it should. Listening, attentiveness, motivation, work habits, respect, behavior . . … Read more
You begin the school year with so much hope. But then, not an hour after teaching your classroom management plan, your students are misbehaving. They’re talking when you’re talking. They’re leaving their seats without permission. They’re calling out, giggling, and ignoring your directions. It’s … Read more
The strategy this week isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t for the wishy-washy. It isn’t for anyone unwilling to put the tried and true strategies of SCM into practice. I’ve heard from thousands of teachers who have transformed their classroom using our … Read more
In the past, I’ve written about the importance of ensuring a happy first day of school experience for your students. There are many reasons for this, but the biggest is that it gives you leverage. You see, when students like being in your classroom, … Read more
No, you’re not going to ignore their misbehavior. It’s just that . . . well, let’s back up a little. When you first receive your roster for the coming year, it’s normal to want to get the lowdown on your new class. It’s normal … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of SCM, then you know we recommend worthy praise only. That is, we recommend praise based on exceptional effort or new (but challenging) learning. Which can vary from student to student. Praise for expected behavior, however, is verboten. (A … Read more
There exists a strategy that, if taught on the first day of school, can have a profound effect on the rest of the year. It takes little if any preparation time. It’s simple in its directness and also fun and participatory. But it will … Read more