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
Teaching your classroom management plan is critical on the first day of school. 100 percent, cannot be missed. It’s also smart to begin modeling and practicing basic routines, setting high work-habit expectations, and teaching at least one great academic lesson. All are essential elements, … Read more
A parent comes to you after school just as you’re sitting down to do some planning. They stop and wait at the door, a look of mild concern on their face. You sigh and approach, annoyed at the interruption. Here’s what to do if … Read more
There is a simple, ten-minute exercise you can do this summer that will all but guarantee better consistency next school year. All it takes is a piece of paper and something to write with. I’ve described this particular exercise before. However, it begs repeating … Read more