It’s common to assume that allowing students to talk to whomever they want about whatever they want is a bad thing. That it wastes time. That it gets them off track. That it riles them up and causes misbehavior. But when you decide when … Read more
It’s only natural to want to focus on what matters. To concern yourself primarily with content, lessons, and academic performance. To be a stickler about students getting their essays or projects done right. And give short shrift to the ordinary, everyday, and mundane. But … Read more
It’s normal to feel angry. How could you not? You have a student who is ruining your school year. They’re disruptive every day. They’re rude and disrespectful. They cause more problems, more chaos, and more disorder than the rest of your class put together. … Read more
One of the biggest causes of misbehavior is excitability. It’s also one of the hardest to fix. The reason is that most struggling teachers just don’t notice it. They become so used to the tension, so accustomed to the antsiness and disquiet, that they’re … Read more
In observing teachers, one common area of weakness is checking for understanding. Not every teacher, of course. But many. And this is a big issue. Because if you send students off to work independently, and they don’t know exactly what to do and how … Read more
One of the most effective classroom management strategies is teaching students how not to behave. The way it works is simple. When you notice certain behaviors being repeated . . . Pushing in line. Calling out during lessons. Side-talking. Etc. . . . you … Read more
Difficult students feel different from their classmates. As if, they don’t quite fit in. They don’t have the same capabilities. They don’t have the same level of self-control or interest in school. And yet, the most common advice given to teachers to help these … Read more
The first two weeks of the school year is the honeymoon period. Students are eager and wanting to please. They’re bright and happy and on their best behavior. They take seriously your teaching of rules and consequences, and it shows. Which is wonderful, of … Read more