In their book, Made To Stick, authors Chip and Dan Heath describe the story of Jane Elliott. Jane was a third-grade teacher on April 4, 1968, the day Martin Luther King was assassinated. Struggling to explain the tragedy to her students, Jane decided to … Read more
Calling out is a momentum killer of the highest order and can turn a well-planned lesson into a halting mess. But that isn’t the only reason why you should require your students to raise their hand. Here are a few more: Calling out is … Read more
Years ago I was asked to teach a summer school science class to a group of eighth graders. Because many had failed a similar course during the school year, more than sixty students signed up. Another teacher was brought in to help. His name … Read more
Let’s begin this week’s article by looking at a common scenario. You’re leading your students to class after visiting the library one day, and you notice Andrew kicking the heels of the student in front of him. He is clearly doing it on purpose. … Read more
When a teacher seeks help in handling a difficult student, typically one of the first things recommended is a behavior contract. Behavior contracts are popular because they give teachers a definite plan for improving behavior. And where there is a plan, there is hope. … Read more
Have you ever noticed that some teachers don’t have to work as hard at classroom management? Certain teachers can walk into a classroom, and almost magically, the students become calmer, more mature, and more receptive in their presence. These teachers may use the same … Read more
Recently, I overheard a teacher confronting two of his third-grade students after they ran through a hallway on their way to recess. He stopped them, called them over to where he was standing, and said, “Congratulations, you two just lost your recess.” With an … Read more
World-class archer Kristin Braun practices six hours a day trying to do the impossible. Standing 230 feet from her target, she takes a deep breath and, while simultaneously lifting her bow into place, draws a steel-tipped carbon arrow. She peers over her left hand, … Read more