This past week, I watched the first episode of A&E’s Undercover High. To the uninitiated, the show follows seven young adults who go undercover in an American high school. One of the things that struck me, among many, was the ubiquity of cell phone … Read more
There is a secret a small cadre of teachers share that can drastically improve your class. It works in all situations and grade levels. It’s simple and straightforward. It causes a giant leap in progress—from behavior and listening to work habits and attentiveness. It’s … Read more
Here at SCM, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of maintaining a calm disposition. It is, without a doubt, the most effective way to keep misbehavior-causing excitability out of your classroom. But it’s also caused some confusion among SCM readers. You see, staying … Read more
Your smile and consistency. Your pleasantness and good humor. Your kindness, honesty, and simplicity of message. Day in and day out, they let your students know how much you care. It’s something they can see and feel as plain as day. Which in turn … Read more
At this time of year, I often hear from teachers wondering if they should, or even can, start over again. Either they’ve been inconsistent. Or they didn’t teach their classroom management plan thoroughly enough the first time. Or they didn’t have much of a … Read more
As the holiday season ramps up, students become antsier. They can feel the midyear break just around the corner. And their excitement builds day by day. The weather, the music, the traditions. The decorations, the lights, the commercials. Despite how much your school may … Read more
One of the core tenets of SCM is to hold your students accountable for every rule violation. You do what you say you’re going to do. You follow through on your promises. Student breaks a rule and you enforce a consequence. It’s as simple … Read more
When teachers first implement an effective classroom management plan . . . By teaching and modeling it in detail. By following it exactly as it’s written. By being consistent day after day. . . . they’re often shocked by how peaceful their classroom becomes. … Read more