The student looks up at you with pleading eyes. They’re distressed. They’re remorseful. They’re in anguish over the mistake they made. “Please . . . I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll never do it again.” Indeed, they appear for all the world to be … Read more
Last week we talked about how consistent accountability combined with a kindhearted nature results in a nicer, friendlier class. They work together to rid your classroom of incivility and disrespect. They turn what you thought and feared were most disagreeable students into the lovely … Read more
It’s a question we get surprisingly often. Is it ever okay for students to leave their seat without permission? Can they get up and grab a tissue, for example? Can they turn in work or sharpen a pencil or select a new reading book … Read more
Here at Smart Classroom Management we’ve written a lot about how to make modeling more effective. We’ve covered the importance of being highly detailed. We’ve covered common mistakes and pitfalls. We’ve covered silent modeling, student modeling, and a strategy called “the power of one.” … Read more
Sending students to a neighboring classroom for time-out is a popular strategy. It’s popular because it’s easy and the consequence feels substantial. The misbehaving student must pick up their things and exit the room. There is a finality to it. It carries the message … Read more
For the most part, it’s a misnomer. 99.9% of parents love their children. They may have a misguided way of showing it. They may not sign one bit of correspondence from the school. They may be uninvolved, negligent, or worse. They may be preoccupied … Read more
It happens, often without warning. A student becomes so angry they verge on losing control. They fume and seethe. They glare and tear up. They turn dark crimson. Sometimes we know the cause of their infuriation and other times we have no idea. The … Read more
They materialize in front of you, demanding your attention. They pull on your sleeve and tap on your arm. They barge into your personal space, interrupt you where you stand, and begin talking before you even have a chance to acknowledge them. They tattle. … Read more