It happens for no apparent reason. You’re cruising along. Your students are attentive and respectful. They’re listening and getting their work done. Behavior is good. But then, out of nowhere, you notice a slight fraying at the seams. They enter the classroom with a … Read more
At this time of year it isn’t unusual for routines to become sloppy. Your students, after all, are growing tired of the grind. The pressures of testing weigh heavily. Morning songbirds remind them that summer is near. Despite faithfully following the do-it-again strategy, your … Read more
Requiring students to raise their hand before speaking is good classroom management practice. You can’t very well control the flow of learning and discussion while being interrupted every few minutes. Inspiration will sag. Trains of thought will vanish. Boredom and inattentiveness will pervade your … Read more
Transitions are among the most perilous times of the day. The frenetic movement, the close interaction, the loud voices and sense of freedom . . . All conspire to increase the likelihood of misbehavior. Transitions can also waste precious learning time, bring tension and … Read more
It’s an all too common compulsion among teachers. Upon noticing a class routine going off the rails, they immediately jump in to try and correct it. They remind. They warn. They attempt to squelch the problem before it gets out of hand. It makes … Read more
Homework can be particularly frustrating because it takes place outside of your presence. Once you send your students off for the day, they’re on their own—with only the faintest echo of your voice imploring them to get it done. Furthermore, they may have soccer … Read more
Routines are the lifeblood of a well-run classroom. But it’s important they’re viewed in a positive light. Because if you cue the start of a routine and your students sigh and roll their eyes, or grudgingly go through the motions, then misbehavior will surely … Read more
The way you call on your students when they raise their hand can have a strong impact on learning and behavior. But the truth is, many teachers get it wrong. They call on students in whatever way feels natural and end up causing resentment … Read more