We’ve covered the topic of speaking so students will listen extensively here at SCM. We’ve talked about the importance of not repeating yourself. We’ve talked about volume and pacing. We’ve talked about timing, pausing, brevity, clarity, and eye contact. But what we have yet … Read more
Okay, so I’ve got this strategy I’ve been using a long time. But I’ve been reluctant to share it. Because, you see, it can, potentially anyway, be an eensy-weensy bit dangerous. Like stepping into the shower or walking down a flight of stairs. So, … Read more
It’s among the most requested topics we have yet to cover. How do you handle a student who questions you, your decisions, or the way you run your classroom? How do you respond when you know their motives are less than pure? When you … Read more
Here at SCM, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of maintaining a calm disposition. Because it makes you more effective—effortlessly so. Rapport, consistency, likability. Leadership, patience, charisma. All are made better, stronger, and easier by keeping your cool. Two ways to accomplish this … Read more
It is one of the most common questions we get here at SCM: “When do I enforce a consequence and when do I redo a routine?” In other words, if there are students misbehaving while entering the classroom, for example, do you hold them … Read more
First-time visitors to SCM are often drawn to articles that deal with boundaries. They want to know how to set limits and hold students accountable. They’re looking for rules and consequences, borders and constraints. They want to gain control and begin reining in an … Read more
There are a number of reasons why you may not be as consistent as you’d like. It could be that you’ve gotten into the bad habit of trying to convince students to behave rather than relying on your classroom management plan. It could be … Read more
This can be a serious time for teachers. You have so much to do, so much to get right. Routines, procedures, rules, consequences, policies, expectations. They all need to be taught in detail, modeled, and practiced. Then reviewed again and again. You have to … Read more