I know full well the opposing arguments. It’s outdated. It’s subjective. It’s discriminatory. It’s discouraging. It’s culture-denying. But with the right touch and spirit of compassion, you’re only helping your students by encouraging clear and universally understood spoken language. Here’s why: It gives them … Read more
Well, it isn’t trickery. It isn’t manipulation, bribery, or intimidation. It isn’t lecturing or one-on-one counseling. It isn’t rewards or tokens, threats or “caught being good.” Although these and other common methods can dampen misbehavior temporarily, they don’t actually change it. In fact, they … Read more
I can tell how effective a teacher is before seeing them in action. I just need a few minutes in their empty classroom during a typical day. If it’s orderly . . . Desktops clear and neatly aligned. Zero visible clutter. Floor free of … Read more
If you stress over the possibility of misbehavior, then it’s a sign your classroom management is in need of an overhaul. You see, when you take on, mentally or otherwise, even an ant’s toe of what should be your students’ burden, you ease the … Read more
I happened to see an email from a teacher designating a list of students as those who would be assigned an “alternative” final project. Alternative in this case meant easier. Evidently, this group of students failed to meet a series of benchmarks leading up … Read more
Hello Amazing Readers, On behalf of SCM, I want to say “Thank you!” Your support sharing our articles and books and recommending our website keeps us going now into our fifteen year. We’re as excited as ever to bring you more of the simplest … Read more
It could be a grade-level leader or department chair, co-teacher or seen-it-all veteran, or maybe a friend who teaches in the room next door. But we’ve all been there. We’ve all been annoyed by the bossy colleague who is constantly giving advice and pushing … Read more
Going a day without modeling is like gardening without a trowel. Because modeling engages students. It draws them in and holds their attention. It removes any doubt about what you want them to do. It also provides purpose that motivates and dissuades misbehavior. But … Read more