Because it’s one of the most effective and most powerful ways to influence behavior, having a natural, trusting rapport with your students is crucial. Rapport provides the good vibrations between you and your class that makes your classroom management plan matter. It gives your … Read more
It’s a common refrain. “With a student like Erik, you have to pick your battles.” “In my class this year, I’ve got to pick my battles.” “The best advice I could offer would be to . . . pick your battles.” The idea behind … 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
There exists a cadre of teachers who are able to command effortless respect and polite behavior from their students. There is something about them, something unique in the way they carry themselves that causes students to behave differently around them. It’s as if they … Read more
It’s easy to hold a grudge against difficult students. It’s our natural tendency; our default setting when someone angers us or hurts those we care about. It’s an extension of that initial surge of annoyance and frustration that comes over us when a student … Read more
One of the most common errors teachers make when presenting lessons, providing directions, or otherwise addressing students is to string sentences together with very little gap between them. In other words, the teacher will move from one thought, idea, or bit of information to … Read more
You can’t teach your students to respect you. Oh sure, you can try. Many teachers do. They harp on it, do read alouds about it, and even role-play it. But in the end, students can’t be persuaded or talked into respecting you. No, in … Read more
So you lost your cool. You raised your voice. You put your students in their place. You stomped around in a huff and behaved in a manner you’re not proud of. You said things you wish you could take back. And now as the … Read more