There exists a cadre of teachers who are able to command effortless respect and polite behavior from their students. There is something about them, something unique in the way they carry themselves that causes students to behave differently around them. It’s as if they … Read more
Being an effective speaker is essential to an overall strategy to create a classroom your students look forward to coming to every day—which then provides powerful leverage to influence behavior. You can’t afford to leave it to chance. You can’t afford to make mistakes … Read more
If your students don’t listen well, then you’ll struggle with every classroom management issue under the stars. Capturing and keeping their attention is that important. Yet most teachers don’t give the way they speak much thought. They consider what needs to be said, perhaps, … Read more
How you speak to your class matters—a lot. It affects how attentive your students are, how well they listen and follow directions, and how independent—or dependent—they become. It affects the efficiency and effectiveness of your lessons and the extent of student engagement. It affects … Read more
Do you gossip about your students? Before you answer no, it’s important to clarify that any criticism of particular students that isn’t respectfully intended for their benefit is gossip—no two ways about it. Don’t get me wrong; consulting privately with colleagues about your most … Read more
Like so much of classroom management, the key to managing voice levels is to define for your students what you expect of them—and then hold them to it. Your students need to know during every minute of the school day whether it’s an allowable … Read more
It’s not uncommon for teachers to give their most challenging students classroom jobs and other mild responsibilities. The reasoning is that it keeps them busy, feeling useful, and preoccupied with something other than misbehaving. There is nothing wrong with this strategy, and it can … Read more
It’s frustrating. You spend your entire prep-hour strategically placing students into groups. You teach, model, and role-play what you want them to do. You assign roles, provide clear objectives, and confirm their understanding of your expectations. You give them all the support you know … Read more