One of the most common questions I receive is: “How can I allow for free-flowing discussion given the SCM rule about hand raising?” This is a great question because at first glance our classroom management plans don’t allow for open, back-and-forth interaction among students … Read more
As I write this, I’m staying overnight in the Phoenix airport. My flight was diverted mid-flight on the way home to San Diego because a plane was stuck on the finest city’s one and only runway. So 238 of us are trying to get … Read more
Assuming you’re following the SCM approach to transforming difficult students, there are two powerful ways you can encourage them along their journey. But first, it’s important to note that if you stray from these two and instead let your emotions get the better of … Read more
Recently, I watched a second grade teacher walking her class to lunch. She was leading from the front and extremely active. She would stop often to guide her students with her hands, fuss with their lunch boxes, and remind them to stay in line. … Read more
Teachers ask me frequently if minor but annoying student behaviors are enforceable. They give me examples and want my opinion. This happens so often that I thought I would create a list of the most common that are indeed enforceable. A quick note, however: … Read more
If accountability isn’t working in your classroom, whether individually or class wide, the problem is that you have an area of weakness. The solution is to identify the weakness and correct it. Remember, effective classroom management is knowledge based. Apply SCM strategies as described … Read more
After you’ve taught your classroom rules, you will be tested. Count on it. Sometimes it will be immediate and sometimes misbehavior will trickle in later in the week. No matter, you must follow through precisely as you taught and promised. Student breaks rule and … Read more
For many teachers, you get one shot. If you don’t establish effective classroom management within the first few days of school, you’ll never get there. The window opens the moment the bell rings on day one and closes less than three weeks later. Because, … Read more