There is a common mistake teachers make on the first day of school that sets in motion bad student habits and misbehaviors that can last the rest of the school year. That’s a big statement, I know. But this one particular mistake will be … Read more
If you’re a regular reader of this website, then you know that effective classroom management doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need elaborate charts. You don’t need an incentive system. And you don’t need to beg, bribe, or threaten students to behave. But … Read more
Chances are one of your students is being bullied. And if you’re like most teachers, you’re either unaware of it or you don’t know how to stop it. This is why bullying has become epidemic. The teacher is the only one in position to … Read more
Questions are the lifeblood of learning; they mustn’t be discouraged. But yet, if left unchecked and unopposed, they can throw you far off topic, cause boredom and restlessness, and slow learning to a crawl. Though more art than science, it’s possible to trim the … Read more
Many teachers, even seasoned veterans, have a fear of talking to parents about their child’s misbehavior. Generally, they’re afraid of three things: The parent (or parents) will get angry and defensive. The parent will question their competence. The parent will complain and make demands. … Read more
Has this ever happened to you? You’re chatting with a fellow teacher and out of the corner of your eye you notice one of your students rapidly approaching. But instead of waiting for you to end your conversation, the student enters into your personal … Read more
‘Through the rainstorm came sanctuary, and I felt my spirit fly’ ~Seal, Love’s Divine If you’re like most teachers, you don’t keep your students in time-out long enough. For a majority of students, regardless of grade level, five or ten minutes won’t cut it. … Read more
One of the keys to effective classroom management is to build relationships with students. Making personal connections–through humor, kindness, likeability, and more–is a powerful way to influence behavior. It can also be astonishingly rewarding. The give-and-take with students, the trusting rapport, the shared affection–these … Read more