There is a common misconception that to be most effective at classroom management you have to be controlling. The thinking is that the more you’re on of top of your students, the more you’re directing their actions and decisions, the more effective you’ll be. … Read more
As a third consequence I recommend a letter home to parents. If you haven’t read my first article on the topic, which also includes a sample letter for download, you can find the link above. In this article I clear up some misconceptions, add … Read more
There are times when you just want to give a student a piece of your mind, when your sense of justice causes a welling up of fiery indignation. Your eyes narrow. Your heart beats faster. Steam billows from your ears. You lock in on … Read more
Your new students will likely be on their best behavior for the first few days of school. But by the second week, you and your classroom management plan will be tested. After all, your students don’t really know you. Maybe you’ll be like the … Read more
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. ~Colin Powell Classroom procedures are critical to classroom management success. They save loads time and energy, reduce stress and misbehavior, and make your teaching life a lot … Read more
Of all the responsibilities you have on the first day of school, teaching your classroom management plan is número uno in importance. After all, your success as a teacher hinges on your ability to manage your classroom. That’s just the way it is. Teachers … Read more
The purpose of a classroom management plan is to hold students accountable for misbehavior—without having to yell, scold, or lecture. When used correctly, a classroom management plan eliminates the need to use these and other stressful, counterproductive methods. It allows you to demand impeccable … Read more
You’ve likely heard the oft-repeated recommendation that teachers should never smile the first three months of the school year. The idea being that if you show kindness toward your students, they’ll see it as a weakness and take advantage of you. Hogwash. Although it’s … Read more