Last week, a reader asked a question I’ve gotten a lot over the years. “How should I hold difficult students accountable?” It’s a topic I haven’t covered specifically because the answer is so simple and direct: Just like everyone else. You calmly approach the … Read more
If you aren’t careful, a new student can severely disrupt your classroom and the peace you’ve worked so hard to obtain. Although often calm and quiet in the beginning, whatever habits and behaviors were permitted at their previous school will eventually bubble to the … Read more
Do you have two or three students with their hands up all the time . . . While the rest of your class sits on theirs? Not good. Because it’s a clear sign that a majority of your students don’t feel safe enough to … Read more
Recently, I had a chance to visit a classroom management training for new teachers. The trainer was an expert in a program that has gained popularity in recent years. I won’t mention the program by name, but at its core, it’s a token economy, … Read more
So the lesson finished earlier than you expected. And now you have ten minutes to fill. Ten. Minutes. For many teachers, the very thought can make them break out in hives. Because, even when you have a reliable activity you can pull out at … Read more
There are those who believe you should never tell a student who volunteers an answer that they’re wrong. And I certainly understand why. It can be embarrassing for them. It can feel like a rejection. It can discourage them from sharing again in the … Read more
The title of this article comes straight from a reader’s question. It assumes that taking responsibility is something that you, the teacher, must secure from the misbehaving student. It assumes that it’s something the student must verbalize to you. It isn’t. In fact, if … Read more
During transitions, it’s common to focus on moving your students from one thing to the next as quickly and painlessly as possible. But in doing so, you pass up an opportunity to ensure that that next thing goes according to plan. You pass up … Read more