Like most caring teachers, it’s only natural to be drawn to a crying child. It’s only natural to kneel down, put a hand on their shoulder, and try to get to the bottom of why they’re upset. It’s only natural to want to make … Read more
We’ve had a wonderful year at Smart Classroom Management, and we thank you for being part of it! Because of your loyal readership and generous sharing of our website, we’ve grown to over 33,000 subscribers and 100,000 visitors per month. We’re thrilled to be … Read more
So much good, quality instruction is lost in the hour before dismissal. Energy supplies run low. Minds begin to wander. Misbehavior tempts. Despite your enthusiasm, rallying your students and pressing for new learning is a high-altitude climb compared to the sea cruise it was … Read more
When students get bored their minds drift. And while some settle on daydreaming, tile-counting, and general inattentiveness, other students are drawn to more…ahem…destructive pursuits. For where there is boredom, there is misbehavior percolating just under the surface, ready to pounce. Although there is a … 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
As a third consequence I recommend a letter home to parents. If you haven’t read my first article on the topic, which also includes a sample letter for download, you can find the link above. In this article I clear up some misconceptions, add … Read more
This third and final part of this series is about communicating with difficult students in a way that will compel them to behave the way you want them to. But I must warn you. It’s going to be different than you’re used to and … Read more
The link between classical music and learning is well established. It has been shown to enhance certain forms of intelligence, like verbal and spatial abilities. And teachers who regularly play Mozart while students are practicing math skills report that it helps with concentration and … Read more