So you have this student. Let’s call her Brittany. And Brittany frustrates you to no end. Because despite holding her accountable, she continues to break the same rule over and over. Oh, she may hold off for a few days, a week perhaps, but … Read more
Here at SCM we maintain a long list of article requests. We don’t, however, typically choose from the top of that list. The way it works is that when we receive a request, we first check to see if anyone has made a similar … Read more
Allowing students to come up with the class rules is a common strategy. And at first glance, it appears to be a good one. But dig deeper into the whys and hows of effective classroom management, and you’ll discover it to be a mistake. … Read more
It’s easy to get pulled into an argument. Example: You notice a student pushing a classmate during a transition. It’s a clear violation of your classroom management plan, so you move in and enforce a consequence. Upon hearing the news, however, the student’s eyes … Read more
A warning is a courtesy you provide your students. It’s a declaration of free grace you offer by letting them know that you are aware a rule has been broken. But that no real consequence is forthcoming. It’s a consequence only in the sense … Read more
Lately, I’ve been receiving emails from teachers wondering why they have so many students in time-out every day, so I think it’s a good time to revisit a few core principles of Smart Classroom Management. When you implement a classroom management plan for the … Read more
It’s bound to happen. If you follow your classroom management plan, then chances are someday you’re going to make a mistake and enforce a consequence that was undeserved. For example, you hear Joseph talking and joking during a lesson and send him to time-out … Read more
How you give a consequence matters. How you speak to your students, what you say to them, and how you react emotionally and with your body language after they break a classroom rule goes a long way toward curbing misbehavior. Whether you’re giving a … Read more