Kids are inclined to roughhouse. And they should be encouraged to do so. It’s good for them. It’s a healthy way to build relationships, release pent-up aggression, and lower stress levels. It’s good exercise and teaches limits and resiliency. According to research, it’s also … Read more
Setting aside your legal obligation to refer students to Child Protective Services if you suspect abuse or neglect, there are other instances where referral to your administrator, counselor, and psychologist are warranted. They’re warranted not just for the health and safety of the student … Read more
Although in the moment it doesn’t seem like a big deal, accepting less than what you ask of your students is a form of failure. It’s a lowering of standards that communicates that you don’t mean what you say. It tells students that they … Read more
In educational parlance, building community means to manufacture it. It means to organize activities and “circles” in order to create camaraderie and a cohesive family-like environment. The sentiment is good. A sense of togetherness and altruism is something every teacher should strive for. However, … Read more
The SCM approach to classroom management isn’t complicated. It isn’t burdensome or overbearing. It’s neither stressful nor manipulative. It doesn’t entail stickers or stamps, tokens or prize boxes. It doesn’t require lectures and talking-tos, admonishments and reprimands, behavior contracts and counseling sessions. It’s neither … Read more
You can’t force it. This is the mistake teachers make. Trying to pull quiet, shy, or distrustful students out of their shell does the opposite. It makes them less likely to participate and engage in discussions. It causes them more discomfort and embarrassment. It … Read more
It’s not because you hold them accountable. This is a myth. In fact, as long as you follow through as promised—and without lecturing, berating, questioning, etc.—your likability will increase. It will get stronger along with their trust in you. But there are distinct and … Read more
Surprisingly, it’s becoming more common, not less. You’d think that refraining from threatening consequences—rather than following through on them—would be classroom management 101. But since the pandemic, and the precipitous drop in standards, the old “Stop what you’re doing or else” has made a … Read more