Trying to persuade students to behave is one of the most prevalent methods of classroom management. This is why it’s so common to see teachers huddled privately with students—trying to push the right buttons, searching for the right words to say, attempting to convince … Read more
Classroom management shouldn’t feel difficult. If you’re straining, trying hard, and feeling heavy burdened, if you’re stressed-out and exhausted at the end of the day, then something is amiss. You see, exceptional classroom management is knowledge based, not effort based. It’s knowing what works … Read more
“These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.” -Obi-Wan Kenobi There exists a quiet cadre of teachers who can take over any classroom—out-of-control, disrespectful, or otherwise—and get the students under control, quiet, and working within minutes. They have a certain presence about them, a certain … Read more
Happy New Year! And thanks for being a regular reader of Smart Classroom Management! 2011 has been an exciting year. I know from the hundreds of emails we receive that many of you for the first time are experiencing the freedom and deep satisfaction … Read more
The one thing standing in your way of creating the class you’ve always wanted is believing that you can. With no shortage of teachers willing to tell you why you can’t—and how naive you are to think otherwise—this is no easy task. There are … Read more
It’s common practice for teachers to interrupt misbehavior as it’s occurring. The idea being that if you react quickly enough, you’ll be able to cut off the wrongdoing before it escalates. This is a typical response from anyone wanting to stay on top of … Read more
A lucky few students—those cute, smart, and well-behaved ones—are accustomed to big smiles and open body language from their teacher. For others, though, it’s a half-hearted greeting and barely a glance. Some students are afforded the privilege of helping out in the classroom before … Read more
At its best, classroom management is elegantly simple. Take, for instance, your room environment. A messy, unkempt, or clutter-filled classroom sends the message to your students that poor behavior and middling work habits is acceptable—regardless of how often or how forcefully you say otherwise. … Read more