A sharp, well-maintained classroom sends so many wonderful and powerful messages to students—from an expectation of excellence to personal pride in their work habits. It’s a slam-dunk, surefire, easy way to improve behavior in your classroom. Yet, remarkably, classroom organization is an area typically … Read more
Oh no, not again. At the worst possible moment, just as you’re homing in on your lesson objective, you notice a desperate hand waving at you from the edge your peripheral vision. Your first instinct is to ignore it and plow ahead, but then … Read more
Because we care. This is why it touches our heart to see our students upset or crestfallen. This is why when they bomb a math test or bury their head in their arms over another behavior regression, we seek to soften the blow. We … Read more
Side-talking can be especially frustrating because, although it’s done out of earshot, it’s remarkably disruptive. When your students turn their attention away from you and to a neighbor, they miss important instruction and learning time—which means you’ll either have to repeat yourself or reteach … Read more
It’s a common scene. The teacher stands in front of a large group of students with one arm extended skyward, fingers forming a number (two being most popular), while the other hand is closed but for the index finger poised over pursed lips. The … Read more
Because it’s one of the most effective and most powerful ways to influence behavior, having a natural, trusting rapport with your students is crucial. Rapport provides the good vibrations between you and your class that makes your classroom management plan matter. It gives your … Read more
Because I believe it’s a mistake to reward students for good behavior, I’m often asked, “So, then, the stickers, prizes, and such . . . should teachers refrain from giving them out at all?” Well, yes and no. Anything that whiffs of bribery should … Read more
When covering classroom management-related topics and routines, it pays to be highly detailed. Providing steps for independent work, modeling how not to enter the classroom, teaching the ins and outs of small-group collaboration . . . Anything and everything that involves what you want … Read more