After you’ve taught your classroom rules, you will be tested. Count on it. Sometimes it will be immediate and sometimes misbehavior will trickle in later in the week. No matter, you must follow through precisely as you taught and promised. Student breaks rule and … Read more
For many teachers, you get one shot. If you don’t establish effective classroom management within the first few days of school, you’ll never get there. The window opens the moment the bell rings on day one and closes less than three weeks later. Because, … Read more
Teaching your classroom management plan is critical on the first day of school. 100 percent, cannot be missed. It’s also smart to begin modeling and practicing basic routines, setting high work-habit expectations, and teaching at least one great academic lesson. All are essential elements, … Read more
A parent comes to you after school just as you’re sitting down to do some planning. They stop and wait at the door, a look of mild concern on their face. You sigh and approach, annoyed at the interruption. Here’s what to do if … Read more
There is a simple, ten-minute exercise you can do this summer that will all but guarantee better consistency next school year. All it takes is a piece of paper and something to write with. I’ve described this particular exercise before. However, it begs repeating … Read more
“I shouldn’t have to entertain my students.” “I don’t have all day to lesson plan.” “I can’t compete with video games and social media.” These are common teacher frustrations. I’ve heard them a million times. And they’re all true. But here’s the thing: You … Read more
I was observing a teacher recently who left me dumbfounded. I was sitting in the back of the room with the principal, who was there for the teacher’s formal observation. The lesson was about three-dimensional shapes. But instead of taking the lead, the teacher … Read more
According to a recent article in New York magazine, nearly every student is using AI to cheat their way through college. It’s happening in high school and lower grades too. Sad and troubling, of course. But here at SCM we accept what we cannot … Read more