Now that many schools are open for in-person learning, teachers are finding it difficult to build rapport. Social distancing and plexiglass partitions are barrier enough to the connections needed to motivate, inspire, and communicate with students effectively. But it’s mask wearing that takes the … Read more
Many school districts are racing to remove student accountability. Time-out is being outlawed. Suspensions are becoming a no-no. And rules are now mere suggestions and open to wide interpretation. The result, of course, is a worsening of behavior. Remove accountability and bullying, rudeness, disrespect, … Read more
Time-out is a symbolic as well as physical separation from the class students enjoy being part of. This is key. Because if a misbehaving student doesn’t feel like they’re missing something, if they don’t care whether they’re in time-out or not, then it won’t … Read more
Trapped and muted. Dreams shattered into pieces. Forced inside and away from the friendships that mean so much to them and the school that centers their life. Our students are hurting. So what do you say to them? How do you ease their pain? … Read more
Mounting research indicates a sharp increase in mental health issues among students since the pandemic began. This includes soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. As teachers, we’re in position to help stem the tide. And there is a lot we can do. In … Read more
A short exercise break can relieve boredom, improve thinking, and reverse the negative health effects of sitting. To be most effective, however, it must be purposeful. It must be targeted in a way that increases your heart rate yet stimulates every muscle in the … Read more
Your students are wilting like gardenias in a downpour. They yawn and fidget. They daydream and sigh. They struggle to follow along amid a thousand and one distractions clawing for their attention. Television blaring in the other room. Siblings sitting just inches away. The … Read more
A student questioning a grade isn’t a problem. In fact, it should be encouraged. Inquiring why they received a particular grade shows initiative and the desire to do well. Following up with how they believe they deserve a higher grade is, in my book, … Read more