One of the keys to effective classroom management is to build relationships with students. Making personal connections–through humor, kindness, likeability, and more–is a powerful way to influence behavior. It can also be astonishingly rewarding. The give-and-take with students, the trusting rapport, the shared affection–these … Read more
I hope you’re reading this. I hope the title piqued your interest. If it did, I’m glad you’re here. The topic is a special one. I hope I can do it justice. Bringing laughter into the classroom is so close to my heart that … Read more
The idea is simple. If your students like you, they’ll want to please you and seek your approval. Which gives you leverage—leverage to influence behavior like almost nothing else. And the best news is… it’s automatic. Your students will automatically behave better simply because … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know creating leverage is critical to classroom management success. One of the most powerful ways of creating leverage is to become admired—a hero to your students. I know. It’s not your job to be … Read more
The key to effective classroom management is leverage. If your students like being part of your classroom, then you have leverage, and accountability will work the way it’s supposed to. If your students don’t like being in your classroom, then you’ll struggle with classroom … Read more
Years ago I was asked to teach a summer school science class to a group of eighth graders. Because many had failed a similar course during the school year, more than sixty students signed up. Another teacher was brought in to help. His name … Read more
Recently, I overheard a teacher confronting two of his third-grade students after they ran through a hallway on their way to recess. He stopped them, called them over to where he was standing, and said, “Congratulations, you two just lost your recess.” With an … Read more
The core principles we associate with classroom management—rules and consequences, incentives, and following through—are important. No doubt about it. The first step for teachers wanting to improve is to learn how to use them effectively. By following these principles, your classroom management plan will … Read more