There are teachers who seem blessed with natural charisma. The lucky ones. They with the easy charm. The effortlessness vibe. The secret something that causes students to want to please them and behave for them. Must be nice, huh? But the truth is, they’re … Read more
When a teacher first begins holding students accountable in the manner we recommend here at SCM, they’re often surprised at the response they get from students. Mind you, they aren’t taken aback by the improved behavior nor better attentiveness. For these were hoped for, … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of SCM, then you know how important it is to build trust and likability. Together, they cause students to want to please you and behave for you. They give your consequences muscle and meaning. They help create a classroom … Read more
I’m often asked what if anything has changed during my 27 years of teaching. There are a few things, for sure. The students are considerably less independent to begin the school year. Parents are far more protective. And we teachers don’t have as much … Read more
Bringing more humor to your classroom can have a strong impact on classroom management. Because it makes building rapport and influence easier. It improves listening and the desire to pay attention. It draws students to you, makes you more likable, and helps create an … Read more
Here at SCM, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of maintaining a calm disposition. It is, without a doubt, the most effective way to keep misbehavior-causing excitability out of your classroom. But it’s also caused some confusion among SCM readers. You see, staying … Read more
Your smile and consistency. Your pleasantness and good humor. Your kindness, honesty, and simplicity of message. Day in and day out, they let your students know how much you care. It’s something they can see and feel as plain as day. Which in turn … Read more
First-time visitors to SCM are often drawn to articles that deal with boundaries. They want to know how to set limits and hold students accountable. They’re looking for rules and consequences, borders and constraints. They want to gain control and begin reining in an … Read more