I often hear from teachers who in long missives describe awful behavior towards them. They describe angry, argumentative, and aggressively disrespectful students. Students who tell them off and try to disrupt and sabotage their class. Students who roll their eyes and refuse to look … Read more
When your class gives a subpar performance, the tendency is to ease up. To take your foot off the gas. To think, “Maybe I’m asking too much.” This is a normal response after a so-so routine, an unfocused lesson, or off-topic group work. But … Read more
I’ve spent many years observing teachers. And there is an odd phenomenon I’ve noticed among a large percentage. When teaching what they believe to be difficult content, almost without fail, they’ll pause and let students know that it’s difficult. “Listen up, because what comes … Read more
When a teacher first begins holding students accountable in the manner we recommend here at SCM, they’re often surprised at the response they get from students. Mind you, they aren’t taken aback by the improved behavior nor better attentiveness. For these were hoped for, … Read more
The end of the day or period can be a chaotic time. You may be distracted, passing things out or giving last-minute instruction. Your students, poised to leave, may not be so attentive. Voices get loud. Misbehavior tends to increase. And holding students accountable … Read more
In this day and age, when you consistently enforce your classroom management plan, it’s bound to happen. A parent approaches you to complain not about a particular incident. Or their child’s role in breaking class rules. But that their child was held accountable. In … Read more
I love to read aloud. I find it to be one of the great joys of teaching. Done in a certain way, it’s also an effective classroom management strategy. Because it encourages a more respectful, peaceful room environment. It calms, soothes, and inspires. It … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of SCM, then you know how important it is to build trust and likability. Together, they cause students to want to please you and behave for you. They give your consequences muscle and meaning. They help create a classroom … Read more