When students are uninterested and struggling to focus, the instinct is to back off. It’s to require fewer paragraphs and math problems and to stop being so nitpicky about rules and routines. It makes sense. If you’re demanding more than they can handle, then … Read more
You have good classroom management. Your students like and respect you. They follow your directions and are attentive while you’re speaking. Yet, the second you look away, even for a brief moment, you lose them and the momentum of your lesson. You’re able to … Read more
Okay, I won’t bury the lede. When students are doing, stop talking. Most teachers—yes, most—talk students through just about everything. Lining up to leave the room. Getting into groups. Starting work. Walking down the hall. Putting away materials. Playing a learning game. You name … Read more
It’s a question that has been brought up again and again among SCM readers. And now sits near the top of the article suggestion list. Should you or shouldn’t you enforce a consequence when you notice a student daydreaming? Or staring off into space. … Read more
Okay, so I’ve got this strategy I’ve been using a long time. But I’ve been reluctant to share it. Because, you see, it can, potentially anyway, be an eensy-weensy bit dangerous. Like stepping into the shower or walking down a flight of stairs. So, … Read more
There are those who believe you should never tell a student who volunteers an answer that they’re wrong. And I certainly understand why. It can be embarrassing for them. It can feel like a rejection. It can discourage them from sharing again in the … Read more
Here at SCM, we receive a lot of questions about how to teach lessons that capture student interest. And for good reason. The ability to get your students to want to listen and pay attention plays a critical role in curbing misbehavior. It also … Read more
It’s most noticeable when giving directions. And it’s so, so frustrating. You can actually see it happening right in front of you. As soon as your students think they understand what you’re asking of them, they mentally check out. They stop listening. They turn … Read more