Most students are praised too much. They’re praised too often, too public, and too over-the-top. They’re praised for things any reasonable person would conclude are simply not worthy of it. And as the bar of excellence drops lower and lower, it squeezes the work … Read more
We know about the public cases, those gossiped about so offhandedly—the homeless student, the one whose mother is in jail, the two with drug dealing fathers no longer around. But what of the others? What of the secrets hidden and locked away, keys all … Read more
It starts with a perceived injustice then builds quickly from there. Vibrating deep within the body, anger rises to the surface, turning down mouth corners, narrowing eyes, and flushing the skin. Pouting and stewing over the “unfairness,” the student loses the inner battle for … Read more
Do your students begin moving before you finish giving directions? Do they turn in their seats, reach for materials, or begin standing and conversing with classmates before you even finish talking? Do you find yourself gradually raising your voice, trying to get in that … Read more
Are your students slow to follow directions? Do they ever seem reluctant, lost, or unsure of what you want them to do? Does it ever feel like no matter how often you repeat yourself or how loud you speak you still can’t get through … Read more
It’s a question I get a lot. What do you do when most of your class is misbehaving? Say you notice twelve, fifteen, or more students talking and goofing around during a lesson or in the middle of a transition. How should you handle … Read more
You don’t always have to make big, dramatic changes to see classroom management improvement. Sometimes it can be a slight adjustment. A small change in the way you do things, in how you speak, move, or relate to students, can make a big difference. … Read more
Your students love video games. They love action movies and bawdy comedies. They love snowball fights, skateboards, birthday parties, and action sports. They love laughter and thrills, challenge and daring-do. They want to leap off thirty-foot cliffs into murky water below. They want to … Read more