The idea that being too nice is the reason you’re struggling with classroom management is a misunderstanding of why students misbehave. This is a common belief and why you often hear the following advice: “Don’t smile the first two months of the school year.” … Read more
All students want to like their teacher. But most of them don’t. The main reason isn’t because they find them boring. It isn’t because they think they’re too strict or too uptight. It’s isn’t even because their teacher is cringy, nerdy, and uncool. Before … Read more
Every year, I ask three or four students with natural leadership ability to be part of my leadership team. I meet with them once a week or so. It’s informal, and the meetings don’t last long. I also don’t mind if others join in. … Read more
There is one thing you can do right now that will . . . improve behavior lower your stress build better rapport save time In other words, make teaching more fun and effective. Here at SCM we’ve been shouting this strategy from the rooftops … Read more
A danger in trying to improve classroom management is that you tighten up. You become tense and wooden. You’re so intent on following your classroom management plan and holding students accountable that it changes your personality. Somewhere in the back of your mind you … Read more
I’ve spoken to thousands of teachers about their classroom management struggles. They all have much in common. I repeat myself a lot. My advice is “do this and don’t do that.” This is one reason SCM has been successful. Our strategies are straightforward. I … Read more
Many years ago, before I started SCM, a district administrator who knew of my fascination with classroom management came to see me. She wanted me to visit a teacher at a nearby school. She didn’t tell me why, only that I would enjoy it. … Read more
No, you don’t have to be riotously funny. You don’t have to prepare daily jokes and stories. You don’t even have to try to make your students laugh. But you do need to prioritize humor in your classroom. Have a spirit of laughter, a … Read more