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
This week’s article is in response to a cavalcade of questions regarding one of the most frustrating classroom management issues. Namely, how do you deal with a student who, despite receiving consequence after consequence, continues to call out in class? Before we get to … Read more
Maybe it’s the moment you find yourself talking over your students, raising your voice just to be heard above the din. Maybe it’s while in the midst of another lesson spiraling into disorder. Maybe it’s the flash of recognition upon locking eyes with a … Read more
Last week we showed how giving reminders after misbehavior is a mistake. Holding your students accountable is a much better option, resulting in improved listening, better behavior, and greater urgency in following your directions. But here’s the thing. If you aren’t clear about what … Read more
Anything you ask your students to do repeatedly should be made into a routine. For example, whenever your students enter your classroom, transition from one activity to the next, or line up for recess, they should do so in the same efficient manner. The … Read more
Can you tell when you’re going to have a bad day? Can you sense an unhealthy energy rising up in your students or a disquieting buzz you just can’t place? Do you know it the minute your students walk into your classroom? Maybe it’s … Read more
It happens for no apparent reason. You send your students off to recess and a troop of Howler Monkeys returns. Or a visit to the library turns into an embarrassment of unruliness and misbehavior. It could be a direction you just gave your students … Read more
It’s easy to get careless with classroom management during the last ten or fifteen minutes of the school day. This is why it’s so common to see misbehavior at dismissal—swinging backpacks, chasing, shouting, pushing, roughhousing…students wound up and tuned out, oblivious to your warnings … Read more